Why Do We Vote?
Australia is a democracy, which means the people choose who leads the country. That choice happens through a collective process called an election, held every three years at the federal level.
In some places around the world, people don’t have the freedom to vote or shape their country’s direction — so in Australia, it’s a privilege and a right to take part. And yes — it’s also your chance to grab a democracy sausage while having your say.
Who Are We Voting For?
We elect people to represent us in two chambers of the federal parliament:
- The House of Representatives (Lower House)
- The Senate (Upper House)
The House of Representatives has 151 members, each representing a particular area or “seat” in Australia. If you live in a specific area, you vote for the person you want to represent your community.
For example, the seat of Reid in western Sydney includes suburbs like Strathfield, Burwood, and Drummoyne, currently represented by Labor MP Sally Sitou.
The party that wins at least 76 seats in the Lower House forms the government.
The Senate has 76 members. Unlike the House, senators represent entire states or territories. Their job is to review, amend, or approve new laws proposed by the House of Representatives.
How Do You Vote?
On election day (or earlier at an early polling station), you’ll receive two ballot papers:
- Green paper for the House of Representatives
- White paper for the Senate
At the voting booth, it’s private — no one sees your choices.
For the House of Representatives (green paper):
- Number the boxes next to each candidate in your order of preference:
1 for your favourite, 2 for your next choice, and so on. - You must number every box for your vote to count.
For the Senate (white paper):
- It’s a big one with a black line across the middle.
- You can either:
- Vote above the line by numbering at least 6 boxes for political parties or groups.
- Or vote below the line by numbering at least 12 individual candidates.
Above the line means your preferences follow the order set by the party you chose.
Below the line lets you decide the order your preferences flow.
Why Use Preferences?
Australia uses a preferential voting system. The goal is for one candidate to secure over 50% of the vote.
If no one does on the first count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their ballots are redistributed based on second preferences.
This continues until one candidate has more than half the votes.
Even if your first choice doesn’t win, your vote still matters because your preferences can help decide who does.
What If You Make a Mistake?
No worries. Just ask an Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) staff member for a new ballot paper — they’ll happily replace it.
What If You’re Away from Home or Overseas?
Voting is compulsory for Australians living in the country, and failing to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine.
If you’re overseas, voting isn’t compulsory, but you can cast your vote at Australian embassies, consulates, and high commissions.
If you’ll be travelling or unable to visit your local voting centre:
- You can vote early.
- Apply for a postal vote.
- Or vote at a designated interstate polling station.
Online voting isn’t available for federal elections.
