The Australian federal election is set for Saturday, May 3, 2025, as announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on March 28. With the election date confirmed, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is gearing up for a surge in enrolments and voter participation.
Australians must ensure they are enrolled to vote by 8 pm on Monday, April 7, 2025. Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over, and failure to vote without a valid reason will result in a $20 fine. The AEC anticipates a record number of enrolments, processing hundreds of thousands of transactions in the lead-up to the deadline.
To enrol, citizens can visit the AEC website and provide one of the following documents: an Australian driver licence number, Australian passport number, Medicare card details, Australian citizenship number, or confirmation of identity from someone currently enrolled. It is important to note that proof of age cards will not be accepted.
For voters unable to attend polling places on election day, postal vote applications are now open, with the deadline set for 6 pm on April 30. Voters can submit applications online, by post, by email, or in person at an AEC office. Once approved, the AEC will mail the postal vote to the applicant, and completed postal ballots must be returned no later than 13 days after the election.
Early voting will commence on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Polling stations will open from 8 am to 6 pm on election day, located in public venues such as churches, schools, community halls, and public buildings. Voters will receive two ballot papers: a smaller one for the House of Representatives and a larger one for the Senate. It's crucial for voters to number every box on the House of Representatives ballot paper, as incomplete ballots will not be counted.
Australia employs a preferential voting system, which requires voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives the fewest first preference votes, they are eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the next preferred candidate, continuing until one candidate secures a majority (50 percent plus one vote).
The AEC has also issued a warning to voters about unsolicited postal vote applications, advising caution with forms received via SMS, email, or mail from political parties or candidates, as these may misuse personal data.
In the Hunter electorate, seven candidates have announced their intentions to run. They include Labor's Dan Repacholi, The Nationals' Sue Gilroy, The Greens' Louise Strokes, One Nation's Stuart Bonds, Family First's Paul Farrelly, Legalise Cannabis Party's Andrew Fenwick, and Trumpet of Patriots' Suellen Wrightson. The final list of candidates will be confirmed when nominations close on April 10, 2025.
The Hunter electorate, held by the Labor Party since 1910, currently has a 4 percent margin following Repacholi's election in May 2022. Key issues for the electorate include job security in the coal mining industry, access to health services, housing, transport, and education.
As the election approaches, it is essential for voters to verify their enrolment status, especially if they have recently moved. Voters can check their enrolment status on the AEC website using the receipt number provided during the enrolment process. If voters have changed addresses, they must update their enrolment, having lived at the new address for at least one month.
Key dates to remember for the upcoming federal election include:
- Enrolment Deadline: 8 pm, April 7, 2025
- Early Voting Commences: April 22, 2025
- Postal Vote Applications Close: 6 pm, April 30, 2025
- Election Day: May 3, 2025
With the election campaign officially underway, Australians are encouraged to enrol promptly and plan their voting method. The AEC's website offers comprehensive resources for voters, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared for the electoral process.
