How Do I Vote by Post?

To receive a postal vote you must lodge a correctly completed Postal Vote Application to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) as soon as possible after the announcement of an election.

If you have not already received an application form in the post please call 44 231 782 to arrange for one to be mailed out.

Completed Postal Vote Applications may be sent by post, fax or email. If you choose to use email you must scan the completed, signed form.

Further information on email addresses and fax numbers for the AEC offices may be obtained from the AEC’s website at www.aec.gov.au or by calling 13 23 26.

The deadline for receipt of completed Postal Vote Applications is 6.00pm on the Thursday before polling day.

Eligibility for Early Voting

You are eligible to vote before election day if, on election day, you can’t get to a polling place because you:

* are outside the state or territory where you are enrolled to vote
* are more than 8km from a polling place
* are travelling or can’t leave your workplace to vote
* are seriously ill, infirm or approaching childbirth (or if you are caring for someone who is)
* are a patient in hospital and can’t vote at the hospital
* have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place
* are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained
* are a silent elector.

How do I vote in person at an early voting centre?

You can vote early in person at an AEC divisional office or at an early voting centre. Locations and opening times of early voting centres in Australia and overseas can be found on the AEC’s website at www.aec.gov.au or by calling 13 23 26. Note: If you choose to vote in person you will not need to complete the Postal vote application form.