The federal election may still be five weeks away, but a crucial deadline is looming for those who want a say on the future of the country.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the weekend finally called a May 21 poll – ending months of speculation – but the announcement is still likely to have triggered a flurry of nerves for those who have moved house, or lost track of all known time and space over the past couple of years.
Have no fear: There’s still time to check your details and make sure you’re properly enrolled.
But that window is getting narrower.
The Australian Electoral Commission says you have until 8pm local time on Monday April 18 to be eligible to vote.
That is indeed Easter Monday – meaning those mailing in their form have likely already missed the deadline – but the AEC has assured people they will be working public holidays to make sure people will not miss the chance to register online.
So what do you need to do to get that democracy sausage?
Is enrolling to vote compulsory?
Absolutely, unless you want to cop a fine.
If you’re an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older it is law to make sure you are enrolled to vote in a federal election.
xjmtzywThis basically means it is your responsibility to ensure your name has been added to the ‘electoral roll’, or the list of people entitled to vote in an election.
Those who fail to vote in federal elections will have to pay a $20 administrative penalty. You’re also throwing away an opportunity to decide who runs the country.
If you didn’t enrol or vote in past federal elections, you will not be penalised now when you enrol for this one.
What do I need to do to enrol?
You must be an Australian citizen – or eligible British subject – aged 18 or over and have lived at your current address for more than a month.
If you have no fixed place of living, you may be eligible to enrol as an itinerant voter.
You can enrol when you are 16 or 17 but will not be able to vote until you are 18.
To kick off the enrolment process head to this link at the AEC website and follow the prompts. You will be asked to fill out a form.
To enrol you will need either your driver’s licence, your passport number, or someone who is enrolled to confirm your identity.
Proof of Age cards are not accepted by the AEC.
You can also head online if you need to update your name or address.
What if I have been affected by recent floods?
As per the AEC: If you are absent from your enrolled address for a period of time but have an intention to return to that address to live, you do not need to update your enrolment. This includes if you intend to rebuild your house in the event of a disaster.
If you wish to update your postal address while you are temporarily absent, you can advise the AEC in writing and there is no need to complete an enrolment form.
In the event your temporary accommodation becomes a more permanent arrangement, you must update your enrolment.
How do I check that I am correctly enrolled?
For privacy reasons, the AEC will only confirm your electoral enrolment if the details you enter are an exact match to your details on the electoral roll.
If you cannot confirm your electoral enrolment online it doesn't mean you are not on the electoral roll. Contact the AEC and they can check for you.
If you have recently completed an enrolment form allow a few days for the AEC to receive your form, process it and update the electoral roll.
What if I am overseas, or about to go overseas?
If you are not enrolled and going overseas for a short period use the same form as above to enrol. In all other circumstances see the AEC’s information on going overseas.
