Whether you are posted in Australia or Overseas, the AEC has special arrangements for you and your family.

The Navy

Navy personnel whose only residence is their ship can enrol for the Electoral Division of their home port.

Postings in Australia

If you are on a posting for less than 18 months, you can stay on the roll for your permanent address, if you have an intention to return to that address. You will need to let your Divisional Office know in writing how long you expect to be away. For long-term postings, you will need to enrol at your new address by filling in a new enrolment form.

Postings Overseas

If you will be returning to your enrolled address in Australia, you will need to let your Divisional Office know in writing how long you expect to be overseas. If you’re not returning to your enrolled address but want to stay on the roll and vote, you can register as an overseas elector.

Overseas Elector Registration

If you are already enrolled to vote at Commonwealth elections and you are going overseas and intend to return to Australia within six years, you may apply to register as an overseas elector. This will ensure your name is not removed from the electoral roll and that you can vote while outside Australia.

If you are not already enrolled and you are living overseas, but left Australia within the last 3 years, you may still be entitled to enrol. More information about this is shown on the form ‘Applications for Enrolment from Outside Australia’, available from all AEC offices, Australian diplomatic missions and the AEC’s website at www.aec.gov.au.

How to Vote Overseas for a Federal Election

Once the election is announced you should complete a postal vote application form which is available on the AEC’s website www.aec.gov.au and fax it back to the AEC. A special fax number will be provided by HQ Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC).

Enrolment, Overseas Registration and Postal Vote Application forms are available from any Post Office, AEC Office, or on the AEC’s website at www.aec.gov.au.

You can check your current enrolment by entering your personal details into the Enrolment Verification form from the AEC’s website.

If you’re unsure where your local Divisional Office is located or are just after more information, phone 13 23 26 or visit the AEC’s website at www.aec.gov.au.