Victorian Labor faces criticism over open ticket decision in Prahran

The Victorian Greens have condemned the Victorian Labor Party for its decision to run an open ticket in the inner-city seat of Prahran. Party leader Ellen Sandell described the move as “unforgivable,” warning that the strategy could potentially hand power to a Liberal-One Nation coalition in a tight state election. The seat is currently held by the Liberals’ Rachel Westaway with a narrow 1.3% margin.

Under an open ticket arrangement, Labor’s how-to-vote materials will instruct supporters to place their candidate, Meghan Hopper, first, but will leave the remaining preference boxes blank rather than directing voters. Sandell argued that this approach contradicts Labor’s previous warnings about the risks of a right-wing government. She suggested the party is “showing its true colours” by failing to preference a progressive candidate in a seat that could determine the balance of power.

Labor's decision to run an open ticket in Prahran could influence the outcome of the state election.

Victorian Labor strategy in focus

Labor is also implementing an open ticket strategy in the neighbouring seat of Caulfield, which is held by the Liberals’ David Southwick. Local campaigns in both Prahran and Caulfield reportedly requested this arrangement, which aligns with the position Labor took during the 2025 federal election in the seat of Macnamara. A Labor spokesperson stated that the party's primary goal is to secure a majority government, encouraging voters to place a number one next to Labor candidates.

The political landscape has further intensified following confirmation that the Liberals and Nationals will exchange preferences with One Nation. Opposition leader Jess Wilson stated that Coalition how-to-vote cards would place Labor, the Greens, and the Victorian Socialists at the bottom of the ticket. Shortly after this announcement, One Nation moved to disendorse its candidate for Preston, Franco Guardiani, following the emergence of offensive social media posts. Liberal Senator Jane Hume described the comments as “vile” and confirmed that Guardiani would be placed last on the Coalition’s how-to-vote material.

Why it matters

The decision to run open tickets in marginal seats like Prahran and Caulfield creates significant uncertainty for the final election results. By withholding preference recommendations, Labor risks splitting the progressive vote, which may inadvertently benefit the Liberal-One Nation coalition. The outcome in these specific electorates could ultimately decide which party forms the next government in Victoria.