Federal Election 2022: The ultimate guide for early voting


It's hard to believe that another federal election is upon us, but early voting began yesterday for the 2022 Australian Federal Election. If you're unable to make it to a polling place on election day, May 21, you can take advantage of early voting and cast your ballot in person.



Here's everything you need to know about early voting:

When can I vote early?

Early voting will be available from Monday May 9 until Friday May 20.

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Early in-person voting starts on May 9 and will run until May 20. Credit: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft.

Where can I vote early?

Early voting is available at any Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) office. To find your nearest office, visit the AEC website.

Who can vote early?

As we head into the final weeks of campaigning before the federal election, it's important to remember that everyone has the right to have their say.

And if you can't get to a polling place on election day, then early voting is the way to go.

The Australian Electoral Commission says that people should vote on election day if they can, but that early voting is the best option for those who can't.

"Australian elections are in-person events – once every three years the country comes together in a transparent and secure environment to have their say," Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said.

"If you can vote on election day then that's what you should do. However, if your circumstances might prevent you from doing that then you need to think about the early voting options available, and vote according to your circumstances."



Australians who can cast their votes early are those who, on May 21:
  • are outside the electorate where they are enrolled to vote
  • are more than 8km from a polling place
  • are travelling
  • are unable to leave their workplace to vote
  • are seriously ill, infirm, or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
  • are a patient in hospital who can't vote at the hospital
  • have religious beliefs that prevent them from attending a polling place
  • are in prison serving a sentence of fewer than three years or otherwise detained
  • are a silent elector
  • have a reasonable fear for their safety

Do I need to apply to cast my vote early?

If you're voting in person, you don't need to apply to vote early. You can simply walk up to the early polling station during its opening hours.

However, if you're casting a ballot by post, you will need to make an application. Postal votes need to be received by the relevant authority by a certain deadline, so make sure you allow enough time for your application to be processed.

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Australians are encouraged to exercise their right to vote on May 21, but if you’re unable to do so, the AEC said that you may cast your vote early. Credit: AEC.

Can I vote early by post instead?

To vote by post, you need to apply to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Applications can be submitted online and must be received by May 18.

Once you've been approved, you'll be sent a postal ballot, which must be completed and signed by a witness. The ballot must then be returned to the AEC no later than 13 days after the election, which means it must be postmarked by June 3.



What if I'm overseas?

Australians who are staying overseas can submit their votes by mail.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has a list of all the overseas postal vote return locations on their site. They also strongly encourage Australians who are overseas to submit their votes by mail, and to do so as early as possible.

There are some in-person polling places in other countries, but the AEC's overseas voting page notes that these "can be subject to change". So if you're planning on voting in person, it's important to check the AEC website closer to election day for the most up-to-date information.

So, there you have it, folks! Please exercise your right to vote this upcoming election day!
 
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Early voting should be open to ANYONE who so choose to do so
 
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