Key Points
- Voting is compulsory in Australia, but you have to be enrolled to vote.
- You must be an Australian citizen and at least 18 years of age to vote.
- You can enrol online or use a paper form.
- The AEC website offers information in language, and easy-read English guides.
The federal election is an opportunity to have your say by voting to elect Australia’s government.
Voting is compulsory in Australia, but there are some requirements that you will first need to meet. One of these is enrolling with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
Am I eligible to enrol?
Although voting is compulsory for most Australians, you must check your eligibility.
“Anyone who is an Australian citizen and is 18 years or older is eligible to enrol and vote,” Evan Ekin-Smyth, AEC Spokesperson explains.
“But you must be enrolled if you want to vote.”
When should I enrol?
All new Australians are encouraged to enrol as soon as they become citizens so that they can have a say in Australia’s future.
The enrolment deadline is typically one week after the election date is announced. If you are already enrolled, you also have one week to update your details such as changes to your address or name.
“But you don’t have to wait for the election announcement—You can do it now,” Mr Ekin-Smyth says.
In fact, you don’t even have to wait until you’re 18 to enrol, Kath Gleeson, AEC Deputy Electoral Commissioner, says.
“You can get on the roll from the age of 16 so that you’re ready to vote in the election once you turn 18.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: A view from entrance of a polling station during general elections to elect its parliament and prime minister in Melbourne, Australia on May 18, 2019. Source: Anadolu / Recep Sakar/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
How do I enrol?
You can enrol using a simple online form. You can even enrol using your smartphone. Simply head to the .
If you prefer, or you don’t have access to the internet, paper enrolment forms are available at any AEC office. You can also call 13 23 26 to receive the form in the mail.
You will need to prove your identity, so have your identification on hand. There’s no need to attach the information, but you'll need to refer to it.
Ms Gleeson says proof of identity can take a few different forms, and there is plenty of information in language on the .
“Most people use their driver’s licence, but you can also use a passport or a Medicare card,” she says.
A ballot box is seen inside the voting centre at Collingwood in Melbourne, Saturday, October 14, 2023 Credit: CON CHRONIS/AAPIMAGE
New citizens will also require their citizenship certificate to enrol.
If you don’t have any form of identification, or have misplaced or lost it, it's important that you apply for it well in advance. Waiting times for the issuing of identification can vary from one jurisdiction to another, and in some cases can take up to four weeks.
Do I need to enrol for each election?
Once you’re on the electoral roll you can vote at any future federal, state or local government election.
This is why it’s essential that you keep your details current.
Social media, connection and woman typing on a phone for communication, app and chat. Web, search and corporate employee reading a conversation on a mobile, networking and texting on a mobile app Credit: Delmaine Donson/Getty Images
What if I move house?
You have one week after the election is announced to ensure that your details are current.
“We’ll send reminders if we receive data that means you’ve moved house, for instance,” Mr Ekin-Smyth says.
“But it’s important whenever you do move house or change your name, that you update your details.”
If you are not sure whether you’re already on the electoral roll, go to or phone 13 23 26 for assistance.
Who can help me enrol?
The AEC’s website includes eligibility and enrolment guidelines, translated into your language. They also provide a Telephone Interpreter Service and ‘easy read guides’ that are written using simple English and illustrations.
Migrant Resource Centres and other local multicultural support services are there to help first-time voters and to assist you with your enrolment.
Every new Australian should feel confident to enrol as soon as they become eligible to vote. Remember, your vote will be counted no matter who you are.
What if I don’t enrol to vote?
Voting is compulsory in Australia, and failing to vote does result in a fine. But putting aside the fact that you must vote, also keep in mind that you’ll miss out on your say if you don’t enrol.
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