This thesis is a study of the nature and development of electoral education, a public information program intended to contribute to the political development of Australians. The aim of the program is to increase awareness of the voting system and other relevant electoral matters. It seeks to counteract the demonstrated ignorance that Australians, especially young Australians, display about this aspect of the democratic processes of Australian society. The present study attempts to identify the origins of electoral education, the factors that gave impetus to its development, and the roles played by its main proponents. The study also examines the impact electoral education has had on education curriculums throughout the years, and the reasons for it attracting greater attention in recent times. The contributions that the Australian Electoral Commission has made to electoral education will be discussed. This includes their Electoral Education Centres, teacher in-service courses, and resource development. Other providers of electoral education will be examined for their contributions to the field. The thesis concludes with an historical case study of the Aboriginal electoral education undertaken by the Australian Electoral Commission.