The AEC has a record number of polling booths in place overseas for this federal election. Photo: AEC.
If you are not in Australia during this federal election campaign, the Australian Electoral Commission is making it easier for you to vote.
The AEC has a record number of overseas voting places lined up around the world to give Australian voters abroad more options to cast their ballots, largely at embassies and high commissions.
The total number is 111 polling centres across 83 countries worldwide.
That is an improvement from what was available at the 2023 referendum and quite a jump from what was available overseas for the last federal election.
The 2022 election was largely conducted under COVID-19 restrictions in most countries around the world, making it more difficult to offer voting options overseas in that federal election.
Acting Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said for many Australians overseas, voting at an embassy or high commission is a rite of passage and a great part of Australia’s festival of democracy.
“We are lucky to have one of the most open and accessible federal electoral systems in the world,” he said.
“Whether you’re residing, working or holidaying overseas, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your vote count.
“If you can attend an overseas voting centre, then this is what you should do.
“If your circumstances prevent you from doing so, you should apply for a postal vote as soon as possible, to give your ballot the best chance to reach you in time for election day.”
Mr Pope said the current “overseas service provision footprint” would not have been possible without strong ongoing cooperation between the AEC and its partners, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade.
“We don’t control or operate overseas postal services,” he said.
“We do everything in our power to bring the vote to people around the world, but are conscious that there might be external circumstances, such as geographical locations of some electors or postal delays, that might prevent people from voting.”
Postal voting continues to be available for Australians who are unable to vote in person at an overseas voting centre.
Just like for the 2022 federal election and the 2023 referendum, postal votes overseas will have fast-tracked arrangements in place where possible, using point-to-point couriers for dispatch and diplomatic mail for return.
Mr Pope said it should be noted that the AEC cannot guarantee the speed of mail delivery services in foreign countries.
The AEC also urges voters living in Australia but who will be overseas on election day to consider a pre-poll vote at an early voting centre prior to departure.
Overseas voting centres will be available during the early voting period, which runs for up to two weeks leading up to election day.
While polling centres will be located at some Australian embassies, consulates and high commissions around the world, not all centres will be open for the entire two weeks.
Some may change at short notice and are dependent on the local security environment.
The AEC encourages voters to find their nearest overseas polling centre on the AEC website and go straight to the embassy, consulate or high commission’s website.
They should carefully check for their opening days and times, as well as any entry or security requirements that they may have.
“While we strive for all Australians to vote, having information to support you being overseas is a valid reason for not voting in the 2025 federal election,” the AEC added.
Locations and information for all overseas voting centres are now available at the AEC’s website.
