FAQs: COVID-19 and voting

Updated: 1 February 2024

COVID-19 safety measures

The vast majority of people will vote in-person, however if you are unable to attend in-person, you may be able to apply for a postal vote.

The AEC will have general hygiene measures in place at voting centres.

Appointments will not be required to vote. A full list of voting options is available.

Yes. Electors are welcome to bring their own pen or pencil to mark their ballot. Pencils will also be provided.

QR check-ins for COVID safety are no longer required/requested throughout Australia but may be a requirement again if a Public Health Order (PHO) for your state/territory was established.

The AEC is committed to safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of the Australian voting public.

It is the AEC’s intent to minimise the risk of injury and illness by applying work health and safety (WHS) risk management practices, so far as reasonably practicable.

General hygiene measures will be in place at polling places. The AEC encourages the wearing of masks, physical distancing of 1.5 metres and good personal hygiene.

Voters are encouraged (if they wish) but not expected to wear masks at polling places. Mask wearing would only be a requirement if a state/territory made a public health order.

Physical distancing and other COVID measures at voting centres for both voters and workers may mean the voting process takes longer.

You may be able to apply for a postal vote. All postal vote applications must be received by the AEC by 6pm local time on the Wednesday before voting day.

Any voter attending a polling location while COVID-19 positive should follow local public health advice regarding mask wearing and physical distancing, to limit the potential risk to others.