On May 3, millions of Australians are expected to fulfil their civic duty by voting in the upcoming federal election. However, numerous individuals may face genuine obstacles that hinder them from attending their designated polling stations. Thankfully, these voters have the alternative option of postal voting, which allows them to cast their ballots by mail.
If you find yourself unable to visit a polling place, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for and utilise postal voting in Australia.
To initiate the process, you must submit an application for a postal vote through the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website or by collecting a form from an AEC office. Alternatively, you can call the AEC for assistance. A postal voting application is available to those who are outside their electoral area, issues distance restrictions, are hospital patients, or face other barriers such as being a caregiver for a vulnerable person.
Once your application is processed, the AEC will dispatch a postal vote pack to your registered address. This pack includes a certificate to validate your vote, ballot papers, a return envelope, and an instructional pamphlet. After you receive it, simply complete the certificate, fill out your ballots, and return all documents in the provided envelope.
It’s important to return your postal vote by mail or deliver it in person to the AEC by 6 pm on election day. For your vote to count, the AEC must receive it no later than 13 days after the election, by May 16 this year.
Applications for postal voting commenced when the election was officially announced, and they will remain open until 6 pm local time on April 23, which is the Wednesday prior to election day.
When preparing your postal vote, remember that you will require a witness to validate your ballot. The witness must observe you completing the voting process, although they do not need to know the content of your vote.
If you’re an Australian citizen residing overseas, you can opt for postal voting or visit an overseas voting centre. You will need to provide an overseas address for the AEC to send your postal vote pack. It’s advisable for expatriates to apply for their postal votes as soon as possible to allow for sufficient mailing time.
In summary, for those unable to vote in person, postal voting offers a convenient solution to ensure participation in Australia’s federal election. Ensure you apply early, follow the steps carefully, and return your vote within the specified timeframe for it to be accepted.