How and where to pre-poll vote, polling booth locations

Millions have already voted in the election, but time is running out to prepoll. Here is how and where you can vote early.

The federal election is days away, and it is time to start thinking about where and when you can vote. There are some important things to know.

Almost 97 per cent of eligible Australians are enrolled to vote on May 21, but you can actually have your say even earlier.

People can vote at any polling place in their state or territory and plenty will open at local schools, churches, community halls and public buildings. For a full list of voting locations click here.

Voting opens at 8am on election day and closes at 6pm sharp, but not everybody will be able to do so on the day.

If that’s you, there are plenty of prepoll options available.

Before Wednesday May 18, voters are able to request a postal ballot from the AEC website (www.aec.gov.au) or from AEC offices.

Early voting centres opened from Monday, May 9. You can search for the one nearest to you below.

The Australian Electoral Commission states that ballot papers must be completed and witnessed on or before election day.

If you’re not in the state where you’re enrolled to vote on election day, you will need to vote at an interstate voting centre.

The AEC also makes it possible for voters to cast a ballot from overseas but ballots must be returned in time to be counted.

“We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure that you receive your voting materials in time,” the AEC website reads.

“We recommend that you complete and return your ballot papers as soon as possible so your vote can be counted. You have only 13 days after the election for your ballot papers to be received by the AEC.”