Early Voting Begins on 22 April Across the Country
Early voting for the 2025 Australian federal election began on Tuesday 22 April. The Australian Electoral Commission opened pre-poll booths nationwide. Voting centres will close on Friday 2 May, with limited hours depending on the location. All centres will shut on Anzac Day, Friday 25 April. Remote voting services have also commenced from 22 April, with mobile teams visiting designated areas. Voters can find early voting locations and schedules on the AEC’s official website.
Election Date and Voting Process Confirmed
Australia’s next federal election will occur on Saturday 3 May. Parliament dissolved on 28 March, placing the government in caretaker mode. Voting remains compulsory for all eligible citizens. The electoral roll is now closed. Those enrolled must vote to avoid penalties. Voters can check their electorate on the AEC website. Several electorate boundaries changed, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. The ABC’s Antony Green has detailed these updates.
House of Representatives and Senate Voting Explained
At the polling station, voters receive two ballot papers. The green paper is for the House of Representatives. Preferential voting requires voters to number every box in order of preference. The white paper is for the Senate. Voters can number at least six boxes above the line to vote for parties or groups. Alternatively, they can vote below the line by numbering at least 12 individual candidates. The AEC provides detailed instructions on its website for both voting methods.
Postal Voting and Overseas Participation
Those unable to vote in person may apply for a postal vote. Applications must be received by 6pm on Wednesday 30 April. Voters must complete their postal ballot on or before election day. The AEC must receive postal votes within 13 days after polling day. Australians overseas can access voting options on the AEC website. Remote participation includes voting at embassies and consulates or through postal voting.
Changes in House of Representatives Seats
The 2025 election reduces the number of House of Representatives seats from 151 to 150. Western Australia gained one seat, while New South Wales and Victoria lost one each. The majority mark in the House remains at 76 seats. Labor held one abolished seat, Higgins. Independent Kylea Tink held North Sydney, also abolished. The new WA seat, Bullwinkel, is notionally marginal Labor. The AEC and Antony Green released revised notional margins based on boundary changes.
Outgoing Parliament Composition
Labor held 78 seats in the outgoing parliament. The Coalition held 54, while the Greens had four. Independents controlled 13 seats. Centre Alliance and Katter’s Australian Party each held one. The composition reflects a Labor majority before dissolution. The 2025 contest resets the parliamentary count under new boundaries.
Senate Seats and Composition in Focus
The Senate contains 76 members. Each state has 12 senators, and each territory has two. At this election, half the state senators face election. All territory senators face re-election. In the Senate, the Coalition holds 30 seats, Labor holds 25, and the Greens have 11. The remaining 10 belong to independents and minor parties. The current Senate remains without a majority party.
Formation of Government if No Majority
If no party secures 76 seats in the House, a minority government becomes possible. In this case, major parties may rely on independents or minor parties for confidence and supply. Extended negotiations may follow polling day to form government. The last minority government formed in 2010. Labor negotiated with independents to retain power under Julia Gillard.
Polls Indicate Tight Contest
Guardian Australia’s poll tracker shows shifting trends. The Coalition started 2025 with a lead on a two-party-preferred basis. Labor has since overtaken the Coalition, narrowing the margin. Poll analysts suggest a hung parliament remains likely. Labor appears in a stronger position to form minority government. National polling data may not reflect seat-level outcomes. Election results can vary across states and territories.
Voting Information and Resources Available Online
The AEC provides comprehensive resources for voters. Voters can access information about electorates, polling locations, early and postal voting. The AEC site includes instructions on formal voting procedures. Mobile voting and overseas voting options are also detailed. Antony Green’s blog on ABC covers seat changes and implications for parties. The public can follow polling updates via the Guardian Australia poll tracker.
