Enrol and vote in an election
Voting in an election allows you to have a say in how your country is run and it is also mandatory for anyone over 18. To learn more about how to enrol and how to vote follow the steps below.
Outcome
To enrol to vote and how to vote
Let's start with why this is important:
- if you are over 18 you must register/enrol to vote, if you don't you can be fined
- it allows you to have a say in how your community is governed by federal, state and local governments
REMEMBER: different minority groups have not always had the right to vote, so make your vote count to ensure your voice is heard.
Information
KEY WORDS
FEDERAL ELECTION: An election that every Australian must vote in as this election will result in the people who represent Australia internationally
STATE ELECTION: An election that involves Australians from that particular state e.g. a Victorian state election only requires Victorians to vote. This election will result in the people who represent Victoria to the remainder of Australia
LOCAL ELECTION: An election that involves a local area rate payers and residents e.g. City of Melbourne, Maribyrnong City Council. This election results in the people who make up the local council and represent the local area to the state.
Learn all about the importance of voting in this video, by the end of it you should be racing to the polls!
For video transcript, click here.
Never voted in an election before and do not know what to expect? Watch this video to understand the process and what to expect when you next vote.
For video transcript, click here.
What to do next
I need to enrol
To enrol you can:
- Enrol online
- Complete and print this form then return it to the Australian Electoral Commission
- Pick up a form at any AEC office, Australia Post outlet, or at any Medicare or Centrelink service center and return to the AEC
SOURCE:https://createyourfuture.org.au/about-me/how-to-enrol-to-vote/
How to vote in a federal election
On election day you will go to the closest polling booth to you and most likely get an election sausage. On your way to the booth there will be people handing out flyers hoping you will vote for them. Remember it is not ok for anyone to watch you vote or ask who have voted for.
STEP 1: Once you get to the booth you will give your name and then you will be given two pieces of ballots, a big long one for the senate and smaller one for the house of representatives.
STEP 2: For the long skinny ballot you are voting for someone who represents your electorate (where you live) to the house of representatives. The party with the most votes here will form the government.
STEP 3: The senate is a house of review, a way of keeping the government that usually controls the House of Reps in check. Here you have two options vote above the line or below the line. Voting above is much easier.
More Information & Services
The Australian Electoral Commission's guide to enrolling
Update your details on the electoral roll
A quick link to update your address on the electoral roll
A quick link to check if you are enrolled to vote or not