Voting in hospital

This page provides information for voters who have a scheduled hospital admission or become unexpectedly hospitalised during the voting period for a federal election.

Planned admission to hospital

Wherever possible, it is important you plan your vote.

  • If a mobile voting team is visiting your hospital, you may vote with the team if you are physically and medically well enough to do so on the day polling is conducted. Locations, dates and times will be available after the election is announced, or you can ask hospital staff.
  • If mobile voting isn’t available, or if you are unsure if you will be able to access this service, you can apply for a postal vote. Postal vote applications can only be submitted once an election has been announced and must be received by 6pm on the Wednesday prior to election day. Apply as early as possible to allow enough time for delivery and ensure you put the correct postal address on the application. Further information on postal voting is available at Postal voting – frequently asked questions.

  • If you are admitted to hospital less than 12 days prior to election day, you can attend an Early Voting Centre to vote prior to your hospital admission. Information on Early Voting Centres including locations and voting hours will be available on the AEC website closer to the election.
  • If you are unable to access an Early Voting Centre, you can apply for a postal vote. Postal vote applications can only be submitted once an election has been announced and must be received by 6pm on the Wednesday prior to election day. Apply as early as possible to allow enough time for delivery and ensure you put the correct postal address on the application. Further information on postal voting is available at Postal voting – frequently asked questions.

Unplanned admission to hospital

  • If a mobile voting team is visiting your hospital after you are admitted, you can vote with the team if you are physically and medically well enough to do so on the day polling is conducted. Locations, dates and times will be available after the election is announced, or you can ask hospital staff.
  • If mobile voting isn’t available, and you are admitted prior to 6pm on the Wednesday prior to election day, you may be able to apply for a postal vote. All postal vote applications must be received by the AEC by this deadline. Apply as early as possible to allow enough time for delivery and ensure you put the correct postal address on the application. Further information on postal voting is available at Postal voting – frequently asked questions.
  • If, as a result of an unplanned hospital admission, you are not able to access any voting options, please see below.

Unable to vote due to being in hospital

  • Advise a polling official at a polling place or contact the AEC on 13 23 26 to advise the reasons that you, or someone you are supporting was unable to vote. This information will be provided to the Divisional office to determine if any further action is required.
  • You, or the person you are supporting may still receive a letter about failing to vote. Please do not ignore this letter. You can detail your reasons for not voting by posting your response using the enclosed reply-paid envelope, or by calling the AEC on 13 23 26.
  • The AEC is unable to tell you whether that person will receive a letter about failing to vote or be issued with an administrative penalty for not voting. This decision can only be made by the returning officer for that division.
  • Under no circumstances are you allowed to vote for another person, even if you have Power of Attorney for that person.
  • If you would like further information about non-voting processes, please refer to Post-election processes – frequently asked questions.

Resources

Updated: 28 March 2025