How to apply for postal voting in the 2025 Federal Election to escape a fine

If you are unable to make it to the polls on May 3, here is how you can cast your vote without copping a fine.

If you are unable to make it to the polls on Saturday May 3 here is how you can apply for postal voting to escape a fine.

Voting is mandatory for every Australian citizen 18 years or older, but if you are not able to get to a voting centre you can use the postal voting system.

Firstly you need to check you are enrolled through the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website, or if you are not enrolled, enrol to vote.

If you do not vote and have not applied for a postal vote, you may receive a fine.

Ballot boxes ready for postal votes. Photo Andrew Thorpe / Central Telegraph

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR POSTAL VOTING?

You are able to use the postal voting system if you are unable to attend a voting centre on the day for one of these reasons:

• away from your electorate on election day
• more than 8km from a polling place
• are travelling
• cannot leave your workplace on election day
• are ill, infirm, have just given birth or are about to give birth; or caring for someone who meets those criteria
• have a disability or are caring for someone with disability
• are in hospital
• have religion beliefs preventing you from attending a polling place
• are in prison for a sentence of less than three years or are otherwise detained
• are a silent elector
• have a ‘reasonable’ fear for your safety.

WHEN IS THE POSTAL VOTE APPLICATION CUT-OFF DATE?

Applications for postal voting must be received by the AEC by 8pm on Monday April 7.

WHAT IF I WILL BE OVERSEAS?

It is not compulsory to vote if you will not be in the country but the AEC must be notified in order to avoid penalty.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR POSTAL VOTING?

The AEC recommends eligible voters apply online.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY POSTAL VOTE?

Ballot papers must be printed first; this will occur after the Declaration of Nominations at 11am on Friday 11 April. This dictates how candidates will appear on the ballot papers.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO POSTAL VOTE?

Postal votes must be completed on or before election day and must be signed in the presence of a witness. A postal vote certificate must also be signed by 6pm on election day.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY POSTAL VOTE?

The AEC supplies ballot papers by post to your enrolled address.

HOW DO I CAST MY VOTE?

You will receive a pack containing ballot papers, an instruction pamphlet and a certificate that must be signed by a witness. This person can be anyone you know. There is a specific way to place the certificate and ballot papers inside the supplied envelope to ensure your vote is counted.

IS POSTAL VOTING SECURE?

The AEC states that the postal vote system is ‘secure’ and “involves a security question and answer process and a legal declaration made by voters”.

Originally published as How to apply for postal voting in the 2025 Federal Election to escape a fine