Silent Electors

I need to keep my address private, what can I do?

You can apply to register as a silent elector if you believe having your address on the electoral roll would put you or your family's safety at risk.

If you are granted silent elector status only your name and division (also known as an electorate) is shown on the publicly available electoral roll.

I've moved house/changed my name, do I need to apply again?

You will need to reapply to be a silent elector if you move interstate or to another division. You will also need to reapply if you change your name.

How do I apply?

To apply select the silent elector form for your state or territory from the list below.

You will need to:

• read page one of the form to check you qualify for silent elector status,
• complete the form,
• complete the statutory declaration and explain what you consider the risk to be and why your personal safety (or that of your family) is at risk.

You should also fill in an enrolment form and send it in with your application if you:

• are not already enrolled at your current residential address, or
• have moved house, or
• have changed your name.

A separate form is required for each person requesting silent elector status. You can provide one statutory declaration as long as it includes the names of all the people applying.

Silent elector status is not granted automatically. Each application is considered by the Divisional Returning Officer and a decision is made based on whether it meets the legal conditions for silent elector status.

Silent elector forms

New South Wales – Silent elector form [PDF 1.2MB]

Victoria – Silent elector form [PDF 1MB]

Queensland – Silent elector form [PDF 1MB]

Western Australia – Silent elector form [PDF 1MB]

South Australia – Silent elector form [PDF 1MB]

Tasmania – Silent elector form [PDF 1MB]

Australian Capital Territory – Silent elector form [PDF 1MB]

Northern Territory – Silent elector form [PDF 1.2MB]

Contact your local AEC office

The AEC is organised on a wide geographic basis, with a National Office located in Canberra and a State Office in each capital city. In addition, there are separate Divisional Offices that service the 150 House of Representatives electoral divisions. For assistance completing AEC forms, or for more information, please contact your local AEC office.