The referendum will be held on 14 October 2023. If you’ll be overseas on this date and want to vote, it’s important that you plan ahead to ensure your vote is counted.
Early voting in Australia
If you can, cast a pre-poll vote before you leave Australia. Early voting centres in Australia open Monday 2 October (NT, TAS, VIC & WA) and Tuesday 3 October (ACT, NSW, QLD & SA).
A list of available locations in Australia will be available soon on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website.
Voting overseas
If you're heading overseas before early voting opens, or you’re overseas long term, you’ll be able to vote in-person at participating Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates. If you prefer to vote by postal vote, you need to complete a postal vote application.
Voting while overseas is not compulsory. If you can't vote because you're overseas, you need to advise the AEC.
Postal voting
Postal vote applications close at 6pm, Wednesday 11 October (AWST). Request a postal vote as soon as possible to ensure you receive, complete, and return your vote in time for it to be counted.
You can
- send your postal vote directly to the AEC in Australia
- send it to or drop it off at a participating Australian embassy, high commission or consulate. They’ll return your postal vote to the AEC on your behalf. See the list of overseas drop off locations on the AEC website for more detail.
To be counted, your postal vote must be completed and witnessed by 6pm, Saturday 14 October (AWST). Return your postal vote as soon as possible. The AEC can only accept ballot papers received in Australia by Friday 27 October (13 days after the election).
In-person voting
In-person voting is available in some locations overseas. There will be around 100 voting centres in cities around the world, an increase on past services.
If you’re voting in-person at an Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
- don't bring luggage to the polling place
- be prepared for delays and allow time to vote, particularly at smaller missions and in popular destinations
- be patient with staff.
Summary of important dates
- From 2 October - in-person early voting starts (varies between overseas voting centres, check the operating hours of your nearest Australia embassy, high commission, or consulate)
- 11 October - postal vote applications close at 6pm AWST
- 14 October - referendum day
- 27 October - last day for votes to be received
For more information on how to vote, visit the AEC website.
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