Media Release 2004: Electors now able to check their enrolment details over the internet

27 July 2004

The ability of Australian electors to access their details on the electoral roll has been significantly increased with the introduction of the Australian Electoral Commission's online roll verification service in July 2004.

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker said that electors were now able to personally check their current enrolment details on the AEC internet website from their home or work computer.

"It is a very convenient way for many electors, especially those living some distance from an AEC office, to quickly confirm their current enrolment details without having to visit or ring the AEC," he said.

"To use the new AEC service, simply visit the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au and follow the steps. Electors will need to provide the exact name they are enrolled for and the suburb or town they are enrolled at – and the web service will confirm their enrolment."

Electors who are unsure about where they may be enrolled, or do not have access to the internet, are still able to contact the AEC on 13 23 26 or visit their AEC divisional office to check their enrolment.

Mr Becker said that AEC offices were recently equipped with new computers, replacing the outdated microfiche readers, to enable electors to inspect the public Commonwealth electoral roll.

"Divisional Offices have the local division and State or Territory roll available for public inspection, and the national roll is available at the AEC Head Offices in each capital city."

Mr Becker also announced that due to parliamentary legislative changes that the Commonwealth electoral roll would no longer be available for public sale in any format.

The removal of the electoral roll from sale is a result of The Electoral and Referendum (Access to Electoral Roll and Other Measures) Act 2004 which came into effect on 21 July 2004.

Further details of the legislative changes are available on the Australian Parliamentary website at www.parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au.

Contact details:

Phil Diak

Director Media and Communications

Ph. (02) 6271 4415