Compulsory Voting in Australia: How to Enrol and Vote as a New Citizen
Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18+. Learn how enrolment works, how to fill in your ballot, and what the test expects you to know.
Voting is one of the most important privileges of Australian citizenship — and in Australia, it is also a legal responsibility. If you are about to become a citizen, here is what you need to know about enrolling and voting, and how this topic appears in the citizenship test.
Who Can Vote in Australia?
Only Australian citizens aged 18 and over can vote in federal elections and referendums. Permanent residents generally cannot vote in federal elections, which is one reason citizenship is such a meaningful step. (A small number of British subjects who were enrolled before 1984 are an exception.)
Voting Is Compulsory
For Australian citizens aged 18 and over, it is compulsory to:
- Enrol on the electoral roll, and
- Vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in referendums
Voting is also compulsory in local council elections in some states. If you do not vote and do not have a valid reason, you may receive a fine. Compulsory voting has been part of Australian federal elections since the 1920s.
How to Enrol
Enrolment is managed by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Many new citizens can enrol at or soon after their citizenship ceremony, and you can also enrol online through the AEC website. You need to keep your enrolment up to date — for example, when you move house. Young people can enrol from age 16 so that they are ready to vote at 18.
A Secret and Free Vote
Australian elections use a secret ballot. No one — not your family, employer, community leaders or the government — is entitled to know how you voted, and no one may pressure you to vote a certain way. Australia was one of the first places in the world to introduce the secret ballot, in the 1850s. Voting freely and fairly is part of Australia's democratic values.
How Voting Works
Preferential Voting
Most Australian elections use preferential voting. Instead of marking just one candidate, you number the candidates in order of your preference — 1 for your first choice, 2 for your second, and so on. If your first choice is eliminated, your vote passes to your next preference. Always read the instructions on each ballot paper carefully, as they can be different for each house.
Two Ballot Papers at Federal Elections
At a federal election, you usually receive:
- A green ballot paper for the House of Representatives
- A large white ballot paper for the Senate
Where and When
Federal elections are held on a Saturday. You can vote at polling places across your state or territory, and early voting and postal voting are available for people who cannot attend on election day.
Voting in the Citizenship Test
The citizenship test may ask questions such as:
- Is voting compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over? (Yes)
- Who can vote in federal elections? (Australian citizens aged 18 and over)
- What kind of ballot is used? (A secret ballot)
Remember that voting is described in the official booklet as both a privilege and a responsibility of citizenship.
Other Privileges and Responsibilities
Alongside voting, Australian citizens have the privilege to seek election to Parliament, apply for an Australian passport, and work in the Australian Public Service. Responsibilities include obeying the law, defending Australia should the need arise, and serving on a jury if called to do so.
Practise Your Civic Knowledge
Voting questions are straightforward once you know the key facts. CitiZen AU helps you practise democratic beliefs and government questions in English and Vietnamese, with mock tests that mirror the real 20-question format.