Where you can vote early in the referendum
Aussies will soon be able to cast their vote in the upcoming referendum on whether a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament should be introduced.
While the Voice to parliament referendum will be held on October 14, early voting will open in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and West Australia on Monday.
Early voting centres will open in remaining states and territories on Tuesday, following the Monday public holiday in the ACT, NSW, Queensland and South Australia.
Under referendum laws, voting centres cannot open on a public holiday.
Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said voters should plan ahead if they’re unable to vote in person on October 14.
“Federal referendums are in-person events just like elections – this is the first time the country is coming together in nearly a quarter of a century to have their say on potential Constitutional change.” Mr Rogers said.
“If you can vote on October 14, then that’s what you should do.
“However, if your circumstances might prevent you from doing that then you need to think about the early voting options available and vote according to your circumstances.
“Remember, it is compulsory to vote for all enrolled Australians.”
For the full list of early voting centre locations, opening days and hours, visit the AEC website.
Anyone who is unable to physically vote at an early polling booth or on October 14 is encouraged to apply for a postal vote.
Postal vote applications will close at 6pm local time in each state on October 11 and must be completed on or before October 11.
The postal vote certificate and ballot paper must be witnessed and posted back to the AEC as soon as possible.
This will be the first referendum Australia has had since 1999.
If the Yes vote is successful, the Voice will provide an avenue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advise the government on policy and legislation issues that directly impact them.
The most recent Newspoll suggested the Yes vote would fail 36 to 56 per cent.