The Australian federal election has been officially scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on March 28. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is preparing for a surge in enrolments.
Enrolment Deadline and Voting Requirements
Australians must enrol to vote by 8 pm on Monday, April 7. Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over. Those who fail to vote will incur a $20 fine.
The AEC anticipates a record number of enrolments. It expects to process hundreds of thousands of transactions in the coming week.
Figure 1: Failing to vote by citizens aged 18 or over will incur a $20 fine
How to Enrol to Vote
Australians can enrol to vote on the AEC website. The enrolment process requires one of the following documents:
- Australian driver licence number
- Australian passport number
- Medicare card details
- Australian citizenship number
- Confirmation of identity from someone currently enrolled
The AEC does not accept proof of age cards.
Postal Voting Applications Now Open
Postal vote applications are now open. Voters who cannot attend a polling place can apply for a postal vote. The deadline for postal vote applications is 6 pm on April 30.
Voters can submit postal vote applications online, by post, by email, or in person at an AEC office. Once approved, the AEC will mail the postal vote to the applicant.
Completed postal ballots must be returned to the AEC no later than 13 days after the election.
Early Voting Options Available
Early voting will begin on Tuesday, April 22. Voters can cast their votes at designated early voting centres.
Eligibility for early voting includes:
- Being outside the enrolled electorate
- Being more than eight kilometres from a polling place
- Travelling on election day
- Workplace constraints
- Serious illness or infirmity
- Caring responsibilities
- Hospitalisation
- Disability or caregiving for a person with disability
- Imprisonment with a sentence of less than three years
- Religious beliefs preventing attendance
- Safety or wellbeing concerns
Polling Places on Election Day
On election day, polling stations will open from 8 am to 6 pm. Polling booths will be located in public venues such as churches, schools, community halls, and public buildings.
Voters will receive two ballot papers:
- A smaller ballot for the House of Representatives
- A larger ballot for the Senate
Voters must number every box on the House of Representatives ballot paper. Incomplete ballots will not be counted.
The Senate ballot offers two options:
- Vote for party preferences by numbering at least six boxes above the line
- Vote for individual candidates by numbering at least 12 boxes below the line
Preferential Voting System
Australia uses a preferential voting system. Voters rank candidates in order of preference. The candidate with the fewest first preference votes is eliminated. Votes for the eliminated candidate are transferred to the second preference.
This process continues until a candidate secures a majority (50 per cent plus one vote).
Special Voting Arrangements
The AEC offers special enrolment options for those with specific circumstances. This includes:
- Silent electors
- Travellers
- Individuals with no fixed address
Voters overseas during the election can vote at designated overseas voting centres or by postal vote. The AEC website provides information on available locations.
Address Changes and Enrolment Updates
Voters who have changed addresses must update their enrolment. The AEC requires that voters have lived at their new address for at least one month. Voters can update their address or personal details at any time.
Verifying Enrolment Status
Voters can check their enrolment status on the AEC website. Those who enrolled online can verify their status using the receipt number provided.
Caution Against Unsolicited Postal Vote Applications
The AEC has warned voters to be cautious about unsolicited postal vote applications. Voters should be wary of forms sent via SMS, email, or mail from political parties or candidates. These forms may misuse personal data.
Implications of Not Voting
Voting is compulsory in Australia. Failure to vote without a valid reason results in a fine. The AEC enforces this rule strictly to maintain electoral integrity.
Past Federal Election and Current Political Context
The last federal election took place on May 21, 2022. The Australian Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese, won that election. The upcoming election on May 3 will determine whether the party retains its position.
Electoral Commission Prepared for Record Numbers
The AEC is preparing for a high turnout, driven by increased enrolment. It expects a record number of votes and is setting up additional polling stations and early voting centres.
Key Dates to Remember
- Enrolment Deadline: 8 pm, April 7
- Early Voting Commences: April 22
- Postal Vote Applications Close: 6 pm, April 30
- Election Day: May 3
Australians are encouraged to enrol promptly and plan their voting method. The AEC’s website offers comprehensive resources for voters.
