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Australia

Make sure you're enrolled and ready to vote in Australia. Enrolment and voting are compulsory for citizens aged 18 and over.

Next Election

May 20, 2028

Voter Portal
Register Online
What's On My Ballot?
ID Requirements
Absentee / Early Voting
Registration Deadline

Enrolment is compulsory. Enrol or update your address with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC); the electoral roll closes shortly after an election is called, so enrol early.

Why Voting Matters

Why does voting matter in Australia? Because every eligible Australian voter holds exactly the same power: one vote. Australians vote for the House of Representatives, the Senate and, in state and local elections, for parliaments and councils. Those choices shape public services, taxes, safety and the economy, and turnout is how ordinary people show up for them.

At the May 3, 2025 federal election about 90.7% of the 18.09 million enrolled Australians voted. Compulsory voting makes Australia a world leader in turnout, and your vote still decides who governs.

Many seats are decided by a few thousand votes, and preferential voting means your ranking of candidates counts. Check that you are registered, make a plan to vote, and bring a friend.

Voter Assistance Resources

Need help voting in Australia? The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) offers free enrolment and voting help on 13 23 26, in many languages through the Telephone Interpreter Service, and at 'ways to vote' options including early voting, postal voting, mobile polling and telephone voting for people who are blind or have low vision, or who have a disability.

Voting is compulsory for enrolled citizens, so if you are sick, overseas or unable to reach a polling place, the AEC explains how to vote early, vote by post or give a valid reason for not voting. Australians overseas can enrol as overseas electors and vote by post or at an embassy or consulate.

Polling places must offer wheelchair access information, and the AEC publishes accessibility details for each location. Many states offer free or discounted public transport on election day for state elections, so check your state transit agency. Contact details and rules can change, so confirm everything with the official election authority linked on this page before you vote.

Sign up to be an election worker
Election workers (often called poll workers) keep voting running smoothly in Australia. Most are paid for their time, get free training, and help their neighbors cast their ballots. You can work a full day, a shorter shift, or help before Election Day. The Australian Electoral Commission hires temporary staff for federal elections, by-elections and referendums. Find out how to sign up:
https://aec.gov.au/employment/working-at-elections/

Take the Next Step

 

Find volunteer opportunities, visit the voting resources page, or shop sustainable products.

 

Buy the book that led to the creation of this website: Peace is Active by Tom McCann

 

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