It's no secret that a political party will pull out all stops to gain an advantage during an election campaign, especially one as hard fought and bitter as the current race to the September 7 poll.

But there is a dirty little political secret that might shock voters, especially those intending to lodge a postal vote.

Letters that invite you to apply for a postal vote may have been sent to you by a political party. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

People who intend to lodge a postal vote in the federal election have been urged by the Australian Electoral Commission to take extra care when filling in forms as voting material sent to the household might not be what it seems, and instead be a vehicle for political parties to collate the most personal details of the voting public.