Where to vote in Australia
Voting is compulsory for all enrolled Australian citizens over the age of 18. There are a number of ways to vote in Australia, including:
- In person at a polling place: Polling places are usually located at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings. You can find your nearest polling place on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website.
- By post: You can apply for a postal vote online or by mail. Postal votes must be returned to the AEC by polling day.
- By pre-poll: Pre-poll voting is available for a number of weeks before polling day. You can vote at any pre-poll voting centre in your state or territory.
- By mobile polling: Mobile polling teams visit some residential care facilities, remote areas of Australia, and some homeless shelters and prisons. You can find out if you are eligible for mobile polling by contacting the AEC.
To vote, you will need to bring your voter information card and identification. You can use your driver's licence, passport or another form of identification with your photo and signature.
If you are not enrolled to vote, you can register on the AEC website. You must be enrolled to vote at least eight weeks before polling day.
Here are some additional tips for voting in Australia:
- Check your voter information card to make sure that you are enrolled to vote and that your details are correct.
- Find out where your nearest polling place is and how to get there.
- If you are voting by post or pre-poll, make sure that you allow enough time for your vote to be counted.
- Bring your voter information card and identification with you when you go to vote.
- If you have any questions or need help voting, contact the AEC.
Voting is an important right and responsibility. By casting your vote, you can help to shape the future of Australia.
