Federal Election 2025 Early Voting Now Available Nationwide
Early voting for Australia’s federal election opened today, giving millions of Aussies the chance to avoid the election day rush on May 3rd. And let’s be honest – who doesn’t want to skip those ridiculous queues?
With polling stations now open across the country, voters have just under two weeks to get their democratic duty sorted before official election day. If recent history is anything to go by, about half of all eligible voters will cast their ballots early this time around.
What you need to know
The Australian Electoral Commission has set up hundreds of early voting centres nationwide. They’re open from today until Friday, May 2nd – the day before the official election.
Finding your nearest early voting spot isn’t rocket science. Just head to the AEC website or Google “early voting centres near me” and you’ll get directions to your closest booth.
But here’s the thing – not everyone can just rock up and vote early whenever they feel like it. Technically, you’re supposed to have a valid reason:
- You’ll be working on election day
- You’re travelling
- You’re more than 8km from a polling place
- You’re seriously ill or about to pop out a baby
- Religious beliefs prevent you from attending on the day
That said, the AEC doesn’t exactly interrogate people at the door. They generally take your word for it.
The political game
Early voting is a bit of a double-edged sword for political parties. On one hand, it gives them more time to secure votes. On the other, it splits their resources and means they need to maintain campaign momentum for longer.
It also means parties have to front-load their big policy announcements and scare campaigns. No point saving your best (or worst) stuff for the final week if half the country has already voted.
Postal voting: The other option
Can’t make it to an early voting centre? Postal voting applications are open until April 30th. But don’t leave it to the last minute – Australia Post isn’t exactly known for its lightning speed these days.
More than 2.3 million Aussies voted by post in the 2022 election, and that number’s likely to climb this time around.
The big contest
This election is shaping up as a tight race between the incumbent Labor government and the Liberal-National coalition. Prime Minister Albanese is fighting to secure a second term, while Opposition Leader Dutton is desperate to claw his way into The Lodge – but Sydney is apparently his location of choice.
The cost of living crisis, housing affordability, and climate policy are dominating the campaign so far. Neither side has exactly set the world on fire with their policies, but hey – that’s Australian politics for ya.
With 18 million eligible voters and compulsory voting in play, every vote counts. So get off your backside and make your voice heard – whether that’s today or on May 3rd.
