29 September 2004

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker said that Australians overseas were already voting in the 2004 Federal Election. Thousands of eligible Australians living, working or holidaying overseas were expected to cast a vote between now and election day on 9 October 2004.

“Overseas electors may vote at 100 Australian diplomatic missions, or they can vote by post by arranging for ballot papers to be sent to them at their overseas address,” he said.

The AEC website at http://www.aec.gov.au/election2004/index.htm has detailed information about early voting arrangements at Australian diplomatic missions, postal vote applications, and special voting facilities at selected Australian international airports for those going overseas. Domestic callers can also phone 13 23 26 for help.

Mr Becker advised overseas electors that completed postal vote ballot papers had to be in the mail by 8 October.

“I would also recommend that people voting in person overseas cast their vote now, rather than leaving it to the last minute to avoid the risk of delays and queues,” he said.

Mr Becker said that waiting until 9 October to vote in person was not an option in many overseas countries. One important reason for this is the fact that voting must cease in all timezones no later than 6pm Western Australian time on election day. While some diplomatic missions in similar time-zones to Australia might be open on 9 October, others may not, and the sensible course of action was for electors to cast their overseas vote by 8 October, to ensure their opportunity to vote was not lost.

Mr Becker added that overseas voting arrangements were one example of the efforts that the AEC goes to ensure that every eligible elector has the opportunity to vote in the election.

At the 2001 election, a total of 63,036 votes were issued overseas from Australian diplomatic missions providing voting services.

Further information:

Brien Hallett
Assistant Commissioner,
Public Awareness, Media and Research
Ph. (02) 6271 4477
Mobile : 0413 274 798

Phil Diak
Director, Media and Communication
Ph. (02) 6271 4415
Mobile : 0413 452 539