The federal election has been called for May 3. Here's how you enrol to vote
The Australian Electoral Commission is where you can check and register your enrolment. (ABC News: Courtney Bembridge)
With the federal election officially called for May 3 now is the time to ensure you are registered to vote.
Here's what you need to know about enrolling to vote.
How long do I have to enrol?
You will need to enrol to vote by 8pm, April 7.
The Australian Electoral Commission says it's expecting to process hundreds of thousands of enrolment transactions in the next week and the final enrolment number and rate is highly likely to be a record high.
Applications for postal votes are now open, while early voting commences on Tuesday April 22.
Postal vote applications close at 6pm, on April 30.
How do I enrol to vote?
It is compulsory to vote if you are over 18.
You can enrol to vote on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
To enrol you will need to provide one of the following:
- Australian driver license number
- Australian passport number
- Medicare card details
- Australian citizenship number
- Someone who is currently enrolled confirm your identity
Proof of age cards are not accepted.
If you're enrolled and you don't vote, you could get a fine from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
Can I do a postal vote?
Yes.
If you can't get to the polling place on the day of the election or you can't make it to a pre poll, you can ask the AEC for a postal vote.
You can do that by clicking the link here.
My address has changed, do I need to update my details?
Yes.
If you changed your address since the last election you voted in, you will need to change your address with the AEC.
You can change to your new address if you have lived there at least one month.
You can update other personal details such as your name at any time.
I will be overseas on election day, how can I vote?
If you’re overseas during the federal election or referendum period, you may be able to vote at an overseas voting centre or by post.
You can find out if there is a centre near you here.
How do I check my enrolment?
You can check your enrolment status here.
Already enrolled online?
Check the status using the receipt number provided.
Special enrolment options
The AEC has options for people that require assistance or with specific circumstances that may affect their enrolment, such as silent electors, travellers, or people with no fixed address. See special category enrolment options.
How do I vote?
If you're voting in person at a polling place, you'll be given two ballot papers: one for the House of Representatives, and one for the Senate.
To vote in the House of Representatives, you'll need to number each candidate on your ballot paper in order of preference.
You have to number every box, or your vote will not be counted.
Voters in each of those 150 local areas elect one Member of Parliament (MP) to represent the community.
This ballot paper uses preferential voting: the candidate with the fewest first preference votes (number one votes) is struck out, and each first preference vote for that candidate is then given to the voter's second preference.
This process continues until one candidate has a majority: 50 per cent + 1 vote.