On this page:
- Federal elections
- Voting by post
- Voting at an Australian embassy or consulate
- State and territory elections
Federal elections
If you're overseas on the day of the federal election, you can:
- vote in Australia before you go at an early voting centre
- apply for a postal vote
- cast your vote in-person at some Australian embassies and consulates overseas.
Voting is compulsory in Australia. But being overseas is a valid reason for not voting. If you can't vote because you're overseas, tell the AEC by completing an overseas notification form. If you don't tell them, they'll write to you asking you to explain why you didn't vote.
Check your enrolment
To vote while overseas, you must be on the electoral roll. To check your enrolment, use the AEC website.
Also see the AEC's information on enrolling to vote overseas.
Voting by post
You can apply for a postal vote after the election is announced.
If you're registered as a General Postal Voter, you don't need to re-apply for a postal vote for the election. You'll automatically receive a postal vote pack in the mail. The AEC will start sending postal vote packs after the candidates are known and the ballot papers produced.
If you're living or working overseas, you may be able to register as an overseas elector. You must intend to return to Australia within 6 years and have an Australian address to register. You can choose to become a General Postal Voter at the time of registering or at a separate time.
Voting at an Australian embassy or consulate
You can vote at some Australian embassies or consulates overseas.
Not all embassies or consulates can take votes. Opening times can vary. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate to find out:
- if they are offering in-person voting
- their opening dates and hours for voting
- if you need to make an appointment to vote
- their security or entry requirements, especially in high-risk locations
Check your enrolment before going to an overseas voting centre. You need to know which Australian address you're enrolled at to get the correct ballot papers.
State and territory elections
Some states and territories allow overseas voting. Others don't or may only allow specific voting methods.
Check the electoral commission website for your state or territory for more information.
Read more
- See our Consular Services Charter to see what services we can provide Australians overseas.
- See our advice about living and working overseas.
See also
- When an election is called, check the website of your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to find out if you can vote there (DFAT).
- See advice on voting while overseas and voting by post (AEC).
- Find out about state or territory elections (Electoral Council of Australia and New Zealand).