Media Release 2001: Over 12 Million Australians to vote in Election 2001

18 October 2001

The Australian Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker, announced today that over 12 million Australians now have the opportunity to vote in the historic 2001 federal election, marking Australia's centenary federation year.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) today released the final enrolment figure of 12 636 631 Australians who are entitled to vote at the election, following the close of rolls at 8pm, Monday, 15 October 2001.

This figure compares with 12 056 625 electors who were enrolled for Election 1998 at the close of rolls.

Of the enrolment cards received by the AEC in the last week, approximately 83 000 were new enrolments with the remainder being changes of address.

Mr Becker said that unfortunately at every election there were a number of enrolment cards that reached the AEC after the close of rolls.

"Once the rolls close no further enrolment activity can take place until after the election," he said.

Anyone who submits an enrolment form too late will receive a notice from the AEC. Unfortunately, these people, if they are new enrollees, miss out on the right to vote in this election. Electors who submitted a change of address after the close of rolls should check with the AEC to see if they are still entitled to vote by phoning 13 23 26.

Details of enrolment by State and Territory are attached.

Further information:
Brien Hallett
Asst Commissioner Information & Research
Ph. (02) 6271 4411
Mobile 0413 274 798

For further electoral information, access the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au

AUSTRALIAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION

2001 FEDERAL ELECTION
CLOSE OF ROLLS FIGURES

STATE	ENROLMENT
NEW SOUTH WALES	4 204 383
VICTORIA	3 218 746
QUEENSLAND	2 319 481
WESTERN AUSTRALIA	1 200 438
SOUTH AUSTRALIA	1 034 377
TASMANIA	328 829
NORTHERN TERRITORY	110 501
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY	219 876
NATIONAL TOTAL	12 636 631

Please note: these figures are accurate as at the close of rolls at 8pm, 15 October 2001 and includes 9 403 provisionally enrolled 17 year olds who will turn 18 by polling day.