The federal election is around the corner with the date announced as May 21, 2022. If you are going to be overseas this is what you need to know to be prepared for election time.
If you’re travelling overseas, you may be able to cast a pre-poll vote prior to departure from Australia, as early voting centres open May 9, 2022.
You can find a list of available locations on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website.
The AEC recommends all overseas voters to check your enrolment and complete a postal vote application by May 18 if you won’t be in Australia at the time of the election.
You can send your postal vote directly to the AEC in Australia or you could send it or drop it off at an Australian embassy, high commission or consulate which will return your postal vote to the AEC on your behalf.
To be counted, your postal vote must be completed and witnessed by 6pm AEST on May 21, so you’ll need to return your postal vote as soon as possible.
Please note that AEC can only accept ballot papers received in Australia by June 3, 2022 (13 days after the election).
In-person voting is available in some locations overseas although those service may become unavailable at short notice if the local COVID or security situation changes. Due to this, the AEC recommends you participate in this election by postal vote if you are overseas.
While voting if overseas is not compulsory, you’ll need to advise the AEC on an overseas notification form if you won’t be available to vote.
Important dates:
- 10 April 2022 – postal vote applications open
- 18 April 2022 – enrolment closes
- 9 May 2022 – in-person early voting starts
- 18 May 2022 – postal vote applications close
- 21 May 2022 – the federal election is held
- 3 June 2022 – last day for votes to be received close
For more information on how to vote, visit the AEC website.
Source: Smart Traveller
