A man alleged to have distributed unauthorised election material during the federal campaign is being taken to court by the Australian Electoral Commission.

Jarrod Davis is alleged to have spent $17,500 printing and distributing pamphlets in the Sydney electorate of Wentworth, held by independent MP Allegra Spender.

The material disparaged Ms Spender, including by accusing the independent of being weak on anti-Semitism, and lacked an authorisation message, which is required under electoral law.

About 47,000 pamphlets were circulated throughout the electorate, according to the electoral commission .

Ms Spender said it was vital for democracy that anonymous misinformation that attempted to influence voters was prevented.

Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the court action showed th

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