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The democracy sausage is arguably one of Australia’s most iconic dishes (if you can call it that). But is that snag sambo really worth lining up at the local school on a Saturday to cast your vote? If you've got other plans on the Australian federal election day (this coming Saturday, May 3, 2025), you can pre-poll, and early voting is open now. We've broken down everything you need to know about casting your vote for the 2025 federal election.
When is the Australian election 2025?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the next Australian federal election for this coming Saturday, May 3.
Who has to vote in the Australian election?
Anyone who is an Australian citizen, aged 18 and over, must vote in the election.
How to enrol in the Australian election?
All Australians must be enrolled to vote. You can check your enrollment here. If you've just turned 18 or moved since the 2022 election, you'll need to have already enrolled (close date for enrolment was 8pm on Monday, April 7). Failure to vote will result in a $20 fine.
How to vote in the Australian election?
On election day, Australians can vote at polling booths in their state or territory, including churches, schools, community halls and public buildings. Locations are available via the Australian Electoral Commission's “Where can I vote” page, with polling stations open from 8am to 6pm.
Once you arrive at your polling station, you’ll be provided with two ballot papers. The smaller piece is for the House of Representatives: you must number every box in order of your preferences. The larger ballot is for the Senate: you can either vote for party preferences (by numbering at least six boxes above the line) or for individual candidates (by numbering at least 12 boxes below the line).
How do I vote early in Sydney?
Early voting lets you cast your ballot in person at an early voting centre. These bad boys opened on Tuesday, April 22 – meaning you can skip the election day circus if you've registered to vote early. Specific locations of early voting centres across NSW are listed on the Australian Electoral Commission's “Where can I vote” page.
Caveat: you do have to have a valid reason to vote early.
Is early voting in NSW open?
Early voting opened on Tuesday, April 22 – if you’ve enrolled to vote early, you can vote any day from now until the election.
Who can vote early in NSW?
You must be:
- more than 8km from a voting centre in your electorate on election day;
- outside New South Wales;
- travelling and unable to attend a voting centre;
- caring for a person outside of a hospital setting;
- seriously ill or infirm (meaning you'll be unable to attend a voting centre on election day);
- a person with a disability;
- working on election day;
- a pregnant woman approaching birth;
- in prison;
- have religious membership or beliefs that prevent you from attending a voting centre on election day;
- believe that attending a voting centre on election day will place your safety or the safety of your family at risk.
If one or more of the above criteria apply to you, you can vote at an early polling centre.
Remember, voting is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens.
Where can I vote early in Sydney?
To find early voting centres in your area, go to the NSW Electoral Commission website and use the address look-up tool.
Can you do a postal vote in NSW?
Anyone eligible for early voting can also apply to do a postal vote online from now until 6pm on April 30. Applications can be submitted by post, email or returned in person to an AEC office. Once your application is approved, a postal vote will be mailed to you, which you must complete by 6pm on May 3. You must return your ballot papers to the AEC no later than 13 days after the election.
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