Voting options

Voting before election day

You can vote early either in person or by post if on election day you:

  • are outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote
  • are more than 8km from a polling place
  • are travelling
  • are unable to leave your workplace to vote
  • are seriously ill, infirm or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
  • are a patient in hospital and can't vote at the hospital
  • have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place
  • are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained
  • are a silent elector
  • have a reasonable fear for your safety or wellbeing.

In person at an early voting centre

If you can’t get to a polling place on election day you can vote at an early voting centre in Australia.

If you're overseas

If you’re overseas during the federal election period, you may be able to vote at an overseas voting centre or by post.

Postal voting

You are eligible to apply for a postal vote if you are unable to get to a polling place on election day.

AEC mobile voting

AEC mobile polling teams visit many voters who are not able to get to a polling place. Mobile polling teams will visit some residential care facilities and remote areas of Australia. Mobile polling is carried out around Australia during the election period.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting for people who are blind or have low vision

At the 2022 federal election, voters who are blind or have low vision can cast a vote using our dedicated phone service from any location.

Need assistance to vote?

Voters living with a disability may also be eligible to cast their vote by post, or can vote with assistance at a polling place. For information on assistance available:

Voting on election day

You can vote at any polling place in your state or territory on election day. Polling places are usually located at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings.

Travelling interstate?

If on election day you are outside the state or territory where you are enrolled, you will need to vote at an interstate voting centre.

See Also

Updated: 9 May 2022