The Australian Electoral Commission says key changes to the way it operates won't be in place for the next federal election.
The AEC has been through what electoral commissioner Tom Rogers describes in the body's annual report as "one of the most tumultuous periods" in its history.
The commission was heavily criticised for losing ballot papers at the 2013 Senate election in Western Australia, which had to be re-run in 2014.
But Mr Rogers said "enormous strides" had been made the 2014/15 financial year.
However, all key improvements may not be bedded down until 2019.
"While some of the more significant changes may not be in full operation at the next federal election, each will contribute to the AEC's long-term goal of re-establishing its reputation for delivering trusted, consistently reliable, high quality and high integrity electoral events and services," Mr Rogers wrote.
Before the election, due in September 2016, the AEC plans to have new programs in logistics and materials management, contract management and ballot paper security.
However, the rollout of new information technology, changes to the workforce, improving consistency of practice and building a better "culture" will take longer.
The AEC is poised for an election at any time, with the introduction of an "election ready road map" - the commission's central planning document.
The annual report noted that after the 2013 federal election a record 3000 non-voters were issued with summonses, and most were convicted and fined.
After the 2014 WA Senate election re-run, 1006 non-voters were prosecuted.
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