The federal election has finally been called, and Australians are gearing up to make their voices heard. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, voters will head to their local schools or community hubs to decide who will represent them in the country's parliament for the next three years. With voting being compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over, the time has come for residents to ensure their enrolment is up to date and to plan how they will cast their votes.
According to ABC News, the deadline to enroll to vote is approximately one week from March 28, 2025. This means that citizens have until around April 4 to ensure they are registered. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has emphasized the importance of checking one’s details on the electoral roll, especially for those who may have moved since the last election in 2022.
"It's important for anyone needing to apply for a postal vote to do so sooner rather than later," an AEC spokesperson stated. With 8.41 million people voting early at the last election, which accounted for nearly half of the 17.6 million voters on the roll, it’s clear that many Australians prefer to get their voting done ahead of time.
Early voting booths will open on April 22, 2025, across most states, allowing voters to cast their ballots in the two weeks leading up to election day. However, pre-poll centres will be closed on ANZAC Day, April 25. For those unable to vote on election day due to work, travel, or other valid reasons, early voting is a convenient option.
For citizens who will be overseas on election day, there are provisions for voting as well. Australians living abroad can vote in person at their local embassy or consulate during the pre-poll period, or they can apply for a postal vote through the AEC’s website. The AEC is prepared to send out about 50,000 postal votes to eligible voters overseas.
The voting process itself is straightforward. Voters will receive two ballot papers: a green one for the House of Representatives and a white one for the Senate. In the House of Representatives, voters must number every box in order of preference, while for the Senate, they can either number at least six boxes above the line (for parties) or twelve boxes below the line (for individual candidates). If a voter makes a mistake on their ballot, they can request a new one without any judgment.
It's worth noting that failing to vote without a valid reason can result in a $20 fine. This financial nudge serves as a reminder of the importance of participating in the democratic process. The AEC has stated that they keep track of non-voters, and those who ignore the initial penalty notice may face further action.
As the election date approaches, the AEC will issue writs to officially kick off the electoral timetable. Seven days after the writs are issued, the electoral rolls will close at 8 PM, meaning that anyone who hasn't enrolled by then will miss their chance to vote.
Between ten and twenty-seven days after the writs are issued, nominations for candidates will close. The AEC will randomly allocate spots for candidates on the ballot papers, which will then be printed and delivered to polling locations across Australia.
The prime minister's declaration of the election has initiated a flurry of activity as candidates prepare to run for office. The next parliament will consist of 150 members in the lower house, with each member representing an electorate made up of approximately 110,000 voters. The party that secures a majority of these seats will form the government, or if they fall short, they may seek agreements with independents and minor parties to form a minority government.
For first-time voters or those needing a refresher on how to vote, the AEC's website provides a wealth of information about the voting process and the various policies of the parties and independents involved in the election. As the election draws nearer, it will be crucial for voters to familiarize themselves with the candidates and their platforms.
In summary, the 2025 federal election is a pivotal moment for Australians to express their views and influence the direction of the nation. With just over a month to go, citizens are encouraged to take the necessary steps to ensure they can participate in this democratic process. Whether voting from home or abroad, every vote counts toward shaping Australia’s future.
