Enrol to vote in the Federal Election 2025 before April 7 deadline
Two key deadlines are approaching for the May 3 federal poll, one for voters and one for those who want to stand for election.
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Time is running out for Aussies to get their election admin tasks sorted, or else cop a fine from the Australian Electoral Commission.
Anyone who has turned 18 recently, moved house, returned after a lengthy overseas sting or is for any other reason not enrolled to vote in the area where they live, has until 8pm local time on April 7 to update or register with the Australian Electoral Commission before the electoral roll closes.
But the deadline for those who want to stand for the May 3 election is also nearing, with individuals having until midday (local time) Thursday April 10 to get their paperwork into the AEC.
For political parties, which can nominate candidates in bulk, the deadline is sooner – Tuesday April 8.
What is the electoral roll?
The electoral roll is a list of people allowed to vote in an election. Voters are automatically added to the roll once they enrol to vote.
It is both your responsibility, and a legal requirement, for you to keep your details up-to-date on the electoral roll.
How do I enrol to vote?
Voting in the federal election is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and above. If you are 16 or 17 you can enrol now so when you turn 18 you’ll be able to vote.
Those who fail to vote in federal elections without a valid reason will cop a $20 fine.
Visit the AEC website and hit the ‘Enrol to Vote’ tab. You’ll be directed to fill out a form and follow some prompts.
Keep your driver’s licence, Medicare card details or your passport number handy, as you’ll need to verify your identity. Someone who is already enrolled can also help assist in confirming your identity.
Proof of Age cards are not accepted by the AEC.
If you’ve recently moved or changed your name, these details can also be updated on the commission’s website.
Voters are still eligible to enrol to vote in election even if they do not have a fixed address. For this, you can register as an itinerant voter.
How do I check I am correctly enrolled?
For privacy reasons, the AEC will only confirm your electoral enrolment if the details you enter are an exact match to your details on the electoral roll.
If you cannot confirm your electoral enrolment online it doesn’t always mean you are not on the electoral roll. Contact the AEC and they can check for you.
If you have recently completed an enrolment form, allow a few days for the AEC to receive your form, process it and update the electoral roll.
What if I am overseas, or about to go overseas?
If you are not enrolled and going overseas for a short period use the same form on the AEC website to enrol to vote.
In all other circumstances, see the AEC’s information on going overseas – it includes information on both registering and voting overseas.
Originally published as Enrol to vote in the Federal Election 2025 before April 7 deadline
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