The Australian Electorial Commission (AEC) has reminded the voters that Saturday 18 May 2019 is election day and it is compulsory for every enrolled Australian to vote.
AEC Commissioner Tom Rogers said those who can’t make it to a polling place on election day have the option to vote early either by applying for a postal vote or in person at an early voting centre.
Early voting centres are now open. Opening dates and times vary, so visit www.aec.gov.au/where to check the details of each early voting centre, or apply for a postal vote at www.aec.gov.au/pva.
“It is important for voters to apply early for a postal vote to ensure there is enough time to receive their ballot papers in the mail, complete them by election day, and return them to the AEC,” Mr Rogers said.
Mr Rogers said it was crucial that voters understand how to cast a valid vote.
“The AEC has a range of information and services available to help voters from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds complete both ballot papers correctly to make sure their vote is counted.
“Translations of the AEC’s official guide to the 2019 federal election – along with a How to make your vote count factsheet – are available in 29 languages and can be found at aec.gov.au/translated,” Mr Rogers said.
Mr Rogers urged all voters to take care when filling out their ballot papers.
“Don’t worry if you make a mistake on your ballot paper, simply ask a polling official for a replacement ballot paper and start again.
Translated material with instructions on how to vote will be available in polling places through our multilingual flip-books. You can ask a polling official for this information”.
Mr Rogers also said during a federal election there is a large amount of information being distributed, much of it online, which is seeking to influence your vote. He encouraged voters to stop and consider the source of information they receive so they can cast an informed vote. A factsheet is available in 29 languages to assist voters at www.aec.gov.au/stopandconsider.
Telephone interpreter services are also available for information about voting and the election. Call 1300 720 153.
