Understanding How
Australia Votes
A comprehensive guide to Australia's unique electoral system and voting process.
The Australian Electoral System
Australia employs a unique electoral system that combines elements from various democratic models. The system is designed to ensure fair representation and stable governance.
Key Features
- Compulsory Voting: All eligible Australian citizens aged 18 and over are required by law to vote.
- Preferential Voting: Voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one.
- Bicameral Legislature: Australia has two houses of parliament – the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Independent Administration: Elections are run by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), an independent statutory authority.
Election Cycle
Federal elections in Australia are held at least once every three years, though they can be called earlier.
The Prime Minister advises the Governor-General to dissolve the House of Representatives and issue writs for an election.
After the writs are issued, there is a minimum campaign period of 33 days before election day.
In 2025, the election is expected to be held on or before May 10, 2025, marking the end of the current parliamentary term.
The Westminster System
Australia's parliamentary system is based on the Westminster model, inherited from the British system with adaptations for Australia's federal structure.
In this system, the government is formed by the party or coalition that can command a majority in the House of Representatives. The leader of this party becomes the Prime Minister.
Unlike the UK, Australia has a written constitution that distributes powers between the federal government and the states, and includes the Senate as a powerful house of review.
Electoral Administration
The Australian Electoral Commission
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is the independent body responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums.
The AEC maintains the electoral roll, draws electoral boundaries, conducts elections, and promotes public awareness about the electoral system.
It operates independently of the government and is accountable to parliament through the Electoral Commissioner.
Electoral Enrollment
All Australian citizens aged 18 and over are required to enroll to vote.
Once an election is called, the electoral roll closes seven days after the issue of writs.
In 2023, the AEC reported that approximately 97% of eligible Australians were enrolled to vote, one of the highest rates of electoral participation in the world.
Enrollment Deadline
Once an election is called, you have only 7 days to ensure your enrollment details are up to date. After this deadline, no changes can be made for that election.