Voice referendum: last chance for Australians to enrol to vote before historic day

Australians have less than a day to enrol to vote or update their details ahead of the historic Voice referendum vote. Here is everything you need to know.

Australians have less than a day to enrol to vote or update their details ahead of the historic Voice referendum vote.

On October 14, voters will hit the polling booths and have their say on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said anyone over the age of 18 has until 8pm (local time) Monday to ensure they have registered in order to vote.

“Don’t delay – if you do, you could be one of the very few eligible people out there not ready to vote in the first referendum in nearly a quarter of a century,” AEC Tom Rogers said.

A large crowd marches during a 'Walk For YES' event. Picture: Getty Images

“It’ll be the best democratic base for participation Australia has ever had and we want all eligible Australians to be a part of that.”

“Since the announcement of the 2023 referendum, there have been over 240,000 enrolment transactions submitted, approximately 15,000 a day.”

There is currently more than 17.5 million Australians on the electoral roll with at least 97.5 per cent of all eligible Australians enrolled to vote.

Eligible Australians have already begun having their say on the referendum with postal vote applications open.

Here is everything you need to know about the voting process.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR POSTAL VOTING?

Postal voting applications are open. You can vote early either in person or by post if on voting day 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 on voting day
• are seriously ill, infirm or due to give birth shortly (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.

THIRD-PARTY POSTAL VOTE APPLICATIONS:

The AEC is aware that some people are receiving postal vote applications, or links to online postal vote applications, in the mail from third parties like political parties.

This is legal and occurs at every election/referendum. However, the AEC encourages people who need a postal vote to apply directly through the AEC’s website instead.

Applying for a postal vote directly through the AEC’s website means a ballot paper will be able to be posted out quicker. The AEC also operates under the Privacy Act and postal vote applications involve the disclosure of personal details.

EARLY VOTING

The early voting will begin on October 2 in the following states and territories:

• Northern Territory
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Early voting will begin on October 3 in the following states and territories due to a public holiday:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Queensland
• South Australia

Hundreds of early voting centres will progressively open and be available over the two weeks before voting day.

VOTING DAY

Referendum voting day will be on October 14.

Just like at a federal election, the AEC will open thousands of polling places around the country. Polling places will be open between 8am and 6pm, local time, on voting day.

You can cast your vote at any polling place within your state or territory. If you’re interstate on polling day and need to cast your vote, you will need to visit a designated interstate voting centre.

HOW CAN I VOTE OVERSEAS?

All overseas voting centres will be able to offer in-person voting, but not all overseas voting centres will be postal vote collection centres for the 2023 referendum.

If you are unable to vote in person, you may apply for a postal vote.

Completed postal votes can be returned to the nearest location listed on the AEC website. The AEC will verify the material and arrange for a priority return service to Australia.

Postal votes can also be returned directly to Australia through your overseas postal service.

COMPLETING THE BALLOT PAPER

At a referendum, you will receive a ballot paper with the proposed alteration to the Constitution on it, followed by a question asking if you approve of the proposed alteration. On the referendum ballot paper you need to indicate your vote by clearly writing:

• YES in the box if you approve of the proposed alteration, OR
• NO in the box if you do not approve of the proposed alteration.

Originally published as Voice referendum: last chance for Australians to enrol to vote before historic day