How to Vote

How To Vote

Where To Vote

Work At Elections

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR FUTURE

Why Your Vote Matters

Voting matters because it gives everyone a say in decisions that affect their everyday lives. When more people in a community vote, the results better reflect what the whole community actually wants. Plus, voting helps keep leaders accountable since they know people are paying attention.

Australia has three levels of government federal, state/territory, and local and voting in each of these elections helps choose the people who make laws and decisions on our behalf. Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over.

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Your Vote Matters

As members of Wreck Bay, our participation in elections shapes decisions that affect our land, families, and future.

WHY VOTE?

WHO WE ARE

How to Vote

When you vote, you’ll receive ballot papers to fill out. You can fill them out privately in the voting booth, or ask a family member, friend, or voting official for help if you need it. At a federal election you’ll receive two ballot papers, one green, one white.

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Green Ballot Paper

Number every box from 1 to the last number, starting with your first preference. Every box must be numbered for your vote to count.

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White Ballot Paper

Above the line: Number at least 6 boxes for the parties you prefer, in order of preference.

Below the line:Number at least 12 individual candidates in order of preference.

Watch the AEC’s plain-English video guides:

FINDING A POLLING PLACE

Where and When to Vote

On election day, local schools, halls, and community centres are used as polling places, you’ll see signs outside to help you find them. Most polling places are open 8am to 6pm. Elections are always held on a Saturday. If you can’t make it on the day, there are other options available.

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Election Day

Vote at any polling place in your electorate between 8am and 6pm on election day. Polling place information goes live on the AEC website once an election is called.

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Early Voting

Pre-poll voting centres open approximately two weeks before election day. No reason is required to vote early. Locations are listed on the AEC website when an election is announced.

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Postal Vote

Can’t get to a polling place? Apply for a postal vote and vote from home. Applications open on the AEC website once an election is called, apply early before the deadline.

GET INVOLVED

Work at an Election

Every federal election, the AEC needs around 100,000 temporary staff to run polling places across Australia, in metro, regional and remote areas. All jobs are paid, no experience is required, and training is provided. This is a great opportunity for community members to earn extra income and be part of the democratic process.