How to vote while overseas

If you wish to vote in a federal election while overseas you must be enrolled to vote.

Arrangements for state and local government elections are different so you will need to contact your state/territory electoral office for more details.

How can I find out when the next federal election is announced?

If you subscribe to the AEC mailing list you will receive an email to let you know when the next federal election or referendum is announced.

How do I vote in person?

If you are currently enrolled, you can vote in person at an overseas voting centre.

Overseas voting centres include Australian Diplomatic Posts that provide full consular services, including most Australian Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions.

A full list of overseas voting locations will be made available on this website after the federal election has been announced.

Make sure you check when your nearest overseas voting centre is open for voting (usually for two weeks before election day).

The AEC will also have special early voting centres set up at some Australian airports before election day so you may be able to vote before you leave the country. Details of these centres will be available on this website after the federal election has been announced.

How do I vote by post?

If you are currently enrolled, you can register to be an overseas elector and a general postal voter. You will then automatically receive a postal vote in the mail after the election has been announced.

To find out how to register as an overseas elector or for more information about enrolling and eligibility see going overseas.

Alternatively, you can apply for a one-off postal vote after an election is called. The AEC will then send ballot papers to you as soon as they are available.

I am unable to vote, what should I do?

It is not compulsory to vote while overseas.

If you are unable to vote you can complete and submit an Overseas Notification form [PDF 69KB].

If you do not inform the AEC, we will write to you asking you to explain why you did not vote. If you explain you were overseas on election day, you will not be fined.

Can I vote online?

No, you cannot vote online.

Once a federal election is announced, you can apply online for a postal vote so your voting papers are sent to your overseas address for you to complete and mail back to the AEC.