This page contains information for third parties distributing postal vote applications. To find out more about the postal voting process, please visit Postal voting – frequently asked questions.

Postal voting allows eligible voters to receive their ballot papers through the mail.

Unless they are already registered as a General Postal Voter, voters who wish to vote by post, and are eligible, must apply for a postal vote via a postal vote application once a federal election is announced, or from the issue of writ for a referendum.

Online applications

The AEC’s preferred method for voters to apply for a postal vote is via the AEC’s online form. Promoting this method ensures that the AEC can receive and process the voter’s application in a timely manner.

If a voter is already a registered General Postal Voter, there is no need for them to submit an online postal vote application. They will automatically be sent their postal vote pack via Australia Post once postal vote production begins.

Third party applications

Third parties are allowed to distribute their own materials with AEC postal voting application artwork; however, it must be produced in-line with legislative requirements in the format specified by AEC guidelines.

To obtain a copy of the guidelines and approved artwork, and for all other queries regarding PVA distribution, third parties must email voterservicesmailbox@aec.gov.au.

Third party printing and distribution requirements

Please consider the following when distributing postal vote applications:

1. Ensure that your artwork has been provided to the AEC to ensure its compatibility with AEC scanning services.
2. Consider timeframes:
1. Voters must not sign the declaration on the application until the election is formally announced, or from issue of writ for a referendum. As such, postal vote applications must not be distributed before announcement for an election, or issue of writ for a referendum.
2. The late distribution of postal vote applications (after enrolment closes – 7 days after the issue of writ) limits both the time available to process the PVA and the time available to lodge the postal vote certificate (PVC).
3. Voters are encouraged to return their paper applications directly to the AEC as soon as possible to prevent them from being disenfranchised.
4. Paper postal vote applications collected by third parties must be sent directly to the AEC Service Provider. These applications must be sent daily to ensure postal votes are issued promptly to voters. The late delivery of paper applications risks disenfranchising voters.  Delivery addresses and access details for the AEC Service Provider in each state are below:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Deadline for applications

Applications must be received by the AEC by 6pm (local time) on the Wednesday before the event’s polling day. Any applications received after this deadline will be deemed to have been received too late and the AEC will attempt to contact voters with alternative voting options.

Third parties who receive PVAs after the deadline are responsible for informing voters of their alternative voting options. These applications must not be forwarded to the AEC.