When is the next Australian federal election in 2025?

With the end of the three-year federal government term rapidly approaching, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could call an election any day now. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

With the end of the three-year federal government term rapidly approaching, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could call an election any day now.

But the exact date for when Aussie voters will head to polling booths remains up in the air, with a range of factors in play.

We answer all your questions >>>

When is the next Australian federal election?

The next election must be held on or before May 17 this year.

The Prime Minister could call the election before then – with rumours swirling that other potential dates for a vote could be April 12, May 3 or May 10.

Election key dates

The latest an election could be held is Saturday, May 17.

If it’s held then, Labor will have to hand down a budget on March 25.

Sooner than that and they’ll be in campaign mode, with the budget punted back until after the election.

The Western Australian election will be held on March 8.

Our constitution states federal elections must be held within 68 days of the House of Representatives (the lower house) terms expiring, which will occur on July 25.

However, every three years half of the Senate is also up for election – with their terms ending on June 30.

Considering half-Senate and House of Representatives elections are held together as tradition, as well as procedures such as swearing in having to take place, the latest an election could be held is May 17.

An election campaign must go for a minimum of 33 days.

The elction will be held in May.

How often does the federal election occur?

About every three years.

Unlike other countries which have fixed election dates, Australia has some wriggle room – with the Prime Minister able to call an election at any time before the terms of Senators and Upper House MPs expire.

How does the Prime Minister decide when the election gets called?

Anthony Albanese will pull the trigger for an election when he feels the timing will give his party the best chance of succeeding.

External factors such as the state of the economy – Labor will be banking on an interest-rate cut before the vote – will play a large role.

If the election isn’t called by March 25, Labor will hand down a budget for the upcoming financial year – which, given money in government coffers is tight, is unlikely to be a traditional pre-election cash splash.

Mr Albanese as Prime Minister has repeatedly said he wishes to go full-term – subtly signalling May 17 could be the go.

He’s even expressed support for four-year terms for federal parliament.

The Easter Holiday weekend – running from April 18 to April 21 – will also have to be avoided, given how many Australians will be away from home then.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be hoping for another term in office. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

How will the WA State Election affect the Federal Election date?

Whatever date the Prime Minister chooses will be influenced by the Western Australian state election, to be held on March 8.

The Prime Minister will likely want to avoid the ire of voters in that state by sending them to the polling booths in quick succession for repeated elections.

There’s next to no chance of Western Australia’s massive Labor majority being toppled, so it could also be appealing to Mr Albanese to call the election for a date following his party’s likely victory in the state’s election.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

How to vote in the 2025 federal election

Pre-poll voting – meaning you can vote in person at certain booths – opens two weeks before election day.

Those outside of their electorate on polling day can apply online or at an Australian Electoral Commission for a postal vote, with the completed vote having to be received by the Australian Electoral Commission no later than 13 days after the election.

The AEC will mail out the postal voting pack after the candidates for the election have been finalised.

On polling day, you can vote at any polling place in your state or territory.

Anyone who has moved since the last election must update their details on the electoral roll before it closes – one week after the election is called.

Those who fail to vote can expect a $20 fine.

Originally published as When is the next Australian federal election in 2025?