The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has advised voters expecting to be overseas on Election Day this month that it has established 85 voting centres around the world to cater to their needs.
Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers said the centres began voting services yesterday (6 May) and were located at participating Australian Diplomatic Missions and other overseas offices.
“By international standards, Australia’s Federal electoral system is one of the most open and accessible in operation today,” Mr Rogers said.
“Whether you’re residing, working or holidaying overseas at the moment, make sure your vote counts in the 2019 election.”
He said voters who were about to travel overseas could also lodge a pre-poll vote at an early voting centre in Australia.
He urged people to check all overseas voting centre dates and opening hours carefully as many might not be open on Election Day, 18 May, due to time-zone differences.
“Electors overseas needing a postal vote have been able to apply via the AEC website since 11 April,” Mr Rogers said.
“If no action has been taken to apply until now, delivery of ballot papers in time is not guaranteed, so to have any chance, please apply immediately,” he said.
“While the AEC uses priority mail to deliver ballot papers, it is not responsible for the speed of mail-delivery services in foreign countries.”
He said that while the Commission strongly encouraged all enrolled voters overseas to vote, it recognised that under some circumstances this would be impossible.
“Accordingly, under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, voting is voluntary for electors overseas on election day,” he said.
Mr Rogers said that at the 2016 Federal Election, 71,406 overseas votes were cast and Australia’s largest overseas voting centre was at Australia House in London (15,663 votes).
The full list of overseas voting centres and their opening times can be accessed on the AEC website at this PS News link.
