As an Australian citizen living overseas, you have the right to participate in Australian elections and referendums. The links below provide essential information from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on how to vote from abroad.
If you are overseas on the day of a federal election, you can:
- Vote before you go at an early voting centre
- Apply for a postal vote
- Cast your vote in-person at some Australian embassies and consulates overseas
A federal election will occur sometime between now and May 2025. This page will be updated when an election date is confirmed. In the meantime, overseas electors are encouraged to check their enrolment details, overseas postal address, and overseas phone number are up to date.
Voting in federal elections and referendums is not compulsory for Australians overseas. However, if you don’t vote or apply for a postal vote, your registration and electoral enrolment may be cancelled. If you will be overseas and want to participate, you need to ensure you’re correctly enrolled to vote.
If you are unable to vote because you are overseas, you must inform the AEC by completing and submitting an overseas notification form.
If you are overseas and intending to return to Australia within six years, you can register as an overseas elector. If you are already enrolled, you can register up to three months before, or within three years after, you leave Australia.
If you are not already enrolled and have been overseas for less than three years, you must first enrol to vote.
Check your enrolment before going to vote. You need to know which Australian address you're enrolled at to get the correct ballot papers.
You can only apply for a postal vote after the election is announced.
If you are registered as a General Postal Voter, you do not need to re-apply for a postal vote for the election. You will automatically receive a postal vote pack in the mail.
If you are living or working overseas, you should register as an overseas elector if you intend to return to Australia within 6 years and have an Australian address to register. You can choose to become a General Postal Voter at the time of registering or at a separate time.
You will need to provide an overseas address that enables you to receive and return your completed ballot papers to Australia in time to be counted. See also: Updating your Overseas Postal Address.
The AEC begin mailing voting papers to postal voters when nominations for candidates have been declared and ballot papers are available.
If you are registered as an overseas elector, you will be able to vote at the Australian Embassy on St Stephen's Green in Dublin.
Once an election date has been announced, this page will be updated with information on how to vote at the Embassy, opening dates and hours for voting, and what you will need to bring.
Check your enrolment before going to vote. You need to know which Australian address you're enrolled at to get the correct ballot papers.
Provisions for overseas voting in state and territory elections can vary. You can obtain the relevant information from the relevant state or territory authority.
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
Visit the AEC website for information and updates on voting, enrollment, upcoming elections, and more.
For assistance or inquiries, contact the AEC from overseas at +61 2 6160 2600, or submit an online enquiry.