What you need to know about the new electorates taking effect

The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act) outlines the required processes.

Who represents me now?

Members of the House of Representatives will not represent the new electorates until after the next general election. The member who was elected at the previous general election or by-election, in the electorate you voted in at that time, is still your local member.

When do the new electorates apply?

While the new names and new boundaries of electorates will be in place from Thursday 8 October 2026, elections will not be contested on these new electorates until a writ is issued for a general election following the expiry or dissolution of the House of Representatives.

Do I need to do anything to change my electorate?

You do not need to take any action if your electorate has changed as the result of a redistribution. The AEC will:

• transfer you to the new electoral roll for your new electorate, and
• notify you that your electorate has changed.

Will electors be notified?

Section 86 of the Electoral Act requires the AEC to notify affected electors that their electorate has changed. This will occur via mail prior to the next federal election.

How long will the new electorates apply?

The new electorates will apply until the determination of the next redistribution in the state or territory. A federal redistribution must be held every seven years unless it is triggered earlier. See: When is the next redistribution of my state or territory due?

On which electorates would a by-election be contested?

By-elections are conducted using the electorates which existed prior to the determination of the redistribution.

How do I find out if my electorate has changed?

You can check your enrolment online. For privacy reasons, your electoral enrolment will only be confirmed if the details you enter are an exact match to your details on the electoral roll.

Alternatively, you can contact the AEC.

Do I need to know my electorate to enrol or update my enrolment details?

No, all you need to do is provide the details of your residential address and the AEC will tell you which electorate you are enrolled for. To enrol to vote or to update your enrolment visit Enrol to Vote.