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Australian Electoral Commission
If you are overseas during a federal election, you can:
A list of the overseas voting centres for the next federal election will be published on the AEC website. Opening days and times will vary, but most Overseas Voting Centres will be open in the two weeks leading up to polling day. Be sure to double-check online to confirm the polling place’s opening dates and security requirements.
If you are a registered overseas elector and general postal voter, you will automatically be sent ballot papers as soon as they are finalised.
Not registered? Apply to be an overseas elector and general postal voter by completing this Registration as an overseas elector form. Tick the general postal voter box to automatically receive your postal vote pack at the next federal election.
Please keep your overseas postal address and contact details up to date by completing the Overseas Contact Information form.
If you are not a registered general postal voter, you can apply for a postal vote after the announcement of a federal election. A postal vote pack will be sent to the overseas postal address you provide on the application form. You can return your completed postal vote directly to the AEC in Australia or to an overseas voting centre who will return it for you.
You may vote in a federal by-election by completing and returning a postal vote. If you are registered as an overseas elector and general postal voter, you will automatically be sent ballot papers as soon as they are finalised.
If you are not registered as a general postal voter, you can apply for a postal vote after the announcement of a federal by-election.
It is not compulsory to vote if you are overseas on polling day. If you are overseas and unable to vote, please inform the AEC by completing and submitting an Overseas Notification Form. If you do not inform the AEC that you are overseas on polling day, we will write asking you to explain why you did not vote. You can then advise us that you were overseas.
If you are living overseas use the overseas enrolment tool to update your details.
The AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.