Update Monday, March 31: Today, the Australian Electoral Commission has issued a warning urging voters to be cautious with unsolicited postal vote applications. This includes forms received via SMS, email or mail from political parties and candidates, as they may misuse your personal data.
The date for the Australian federal election is finally set! On March 28, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the election will take place on Saturday, May 3, with early voting available from April 22. Whether you’re a first-time voter or in need of a quick refresher, here’s your handy guide to voting in the 2025 Australian election.
When is the Australian election 2025?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the next Australian federal election for Saturday, May 3.
Who has to vote in the Australian election?
Anyone who is an Australian citizen, aged 18 and over, must vote in the election.
How to enrol in the Australian election?
All Australians must be enrolled to vote. You can check your enrolment here. If you've just turned 18 or moved since the 2022 election, you'll need to enrol by 8 pm on Monday, April 7. Failure to vote will result in a $20 fine.
How to vote in the Australian election?
On election day, Australians can vote at polling booths in their state or territory, including churches, schools, community halls and public buildings. Locations will be confirmed online shortly, with polling stations open from 8am to 6pm.
Once you arrive at your polling station, you’ll be provided with two ballot papers. The smaller piece is for the House of Representatives: you must number every box in order of your preferences. The larger ballot is for the Senate: you can either vote for party preferences (by numbering at least six boxes above the line) or for individual candidates (by numbering at least 12 boxes below the line).
Can you early vote in the Australian election?
Early voting opens at hundreds of centres across Australia from Tuesday, April 22. You can apply for early voting online if you:
- are outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote
- are more than eight kilometres from a polling place
- are travelling
- are unable to leave your workplace to vote
- are seriously ill, infirm or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
- are a person with disability (or 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
- have a reasonable fear for your safety or wellbeing
Can you do a postal vote in the Australian election?
Anyone eligible for early voting can also apply to do a postal vote online from now until 6pm on April 30. Applications can be submitted by post, email or returned in person to an AEC office. Once your application is approved, a postal vote will be mailed to you, which you must complete by 6pm on May 3. You must return your ballot papers to the AEC no later than 13 days after the election.
When was the last Australian federal election?
The last federal election was held on May 21, 2022. It was won by the Australian Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese.