Where you can vote early in voice referendum: NSW, Vic, Qld, SA, WA, Tas, NT, ACT

The referendum is this Saturday, but there are plenty of places you can vote early from today to avoid queues.

The countdown to the Voice to Parliament referendum day is in now getting closer but many Australians can actually vote before Saturday.

Here’s everything you need to know, and where to vote on Saturday, October 14.

When is the referendum?

The Voice Referendum will be held on Saturday, October 14, with polling locations open from 8am to 6pm across Australia.

Early voting begins two weeks earlier on October 2 or 3 (depending on states) with early voting centre locations progressively opening from this date to the lead up to referendum day.

What different voting methods are there for the Referendum?

On referendum day, thousands of polling locations will be available throughout the state. The complete list of polling stations is below. The list will be updated continuously up until October 14.

Eligible early voters will also be able to vote in person or via post.

How can I vote early?

Australians who meet the early voter criteria will be able to attend early voting centres across the state.

The centres will begin operating two weeks before referendum day and will progressively open as it draws closer.

According to Australian Electoral Commission criteria, you are eligible to vote early if 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.

How do I complete a Postal Vote?

If you prefer to cast your early vote via post, Australians who meet the above criteria can register to complete a postal vote.

The AEC prefer applications submitted online, but voters can also choose to submit a paper application via email, post or fax.

Applications are currently open and will close on October 11.

Those looking to mail in their ballot will need to ensure they are done promptly to avoid it being received too late to be eligible.

Where can I vote on referendum day?

The AEC is currently working to confirm the finalised list of polling locations across Australia, but the full list of all polling locations confirmed so far is below. This will be updated up to October 14.

Can I vote from overseas?

Any Australian who will be overseas on October 14 will be eligible to vote early in person or via post.

The AEC in conjunction with DFAT and Austrade have been working closely to ensure that in-person voting centres will be available in a majority of Australian Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions around the globe during the early voting period.

Do I have to vote? What happens if I don't?

Like any Federal or State and Territory Election, voting in a referendum is compulsory for all Australians aged 18 and over who have enrolled.

For anyone who chooses to not fill out a ballot, you risk a fine or a court date issued by the AEC.

If the last Federal Election penalties have not changed, a $20 fine would be received in the post.

Failure to pay in time could see it blow out to in excess of $200, alongside court fees.

How do I fill out the ballot?

Voters will be required to answer the one question as either a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

The answer will need to be written clearly, anything else – a tick, a cross or a word written in another language – are highly discouraged by the AEC as it said it can become a “judgment call as to the voter’s intent”.

What is a referendum?

A referendum takes place when amendments are sought to the Constitution, as it stipulates that only the people have the power.

To exercise this power, a vote of all citizens on the electoral role takes place – basically anyone aged 18 years and over.

Historically, 44 proposed changes to the Constitution have been put to the people since 1901, with only eight passing.

What needs to happen for the referendum to pass?

For a referendum to pass, a double majority must be achieved.

As outlined in section 128 of the constitution, a double majority occurs when a national majority supporting the change and four out of six states reach a majority “Yes” vote.

Will there be democracy sausages?

History suggests there is a strong chance.

For more information and an up-to-date map go here.