“Democracy in Action: Australians Head to the Polls for Early Referendum Voting”

Early referendum voting starts today in half the country. Here’s where to vote early and who’s eligible

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Early voting for the Voice to Parliament referendum has officially begun in Australia, allowing eligible Australians to cast their votes ahead of the official voting date on October 14. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has set up early voting locations around the country for those who are unable to vote on the designated day. This article aims to provide information on when and where early voting is available, who is eligible to vote early, and how to vote in the referendum.

When does early voting start?

Early voting opens today, October 2, in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Tomorrow, October 3, early voting will begin in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. This staggered opening of early voting locations is due to a public holiday in some states.

Where can I vote early in the referendum?

The AEC has set up hundreds of early polling locations across the country, which will progressively open over the two weeks leading up to the official voting date. To find an early polling location near you, you can use the AEC’s ‘Where Can I Vote?’ tool, which also provides information on polling place opening hours, accessibility services, and directions.

Who can vote early in the referendum?

According to the AEC, eligible voters can vote early in person or by post if they meet certain criteria, including being outside the electorate where they are enrolled to vote, being more than 8km from a polling place, travelling, unable to leave their workplace to vote, seriously ill, infirm, due to give birth shortly, caring for someone who is, a patient in hospital unable to vote at the hospital, have religious beliefs preventing attendance at a polling place, are serving a prison sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained, a silent elector, or have a reasonable fear for their safety or wellbeing.

It is important to note that when voting at a pre-poll center, eligible voters will be asked if they are eligible to vote early, but they are not required to provide further details.

How do I vote in the Voice referendum?

When casting your vote, you will receive a ballot paper with the proposed alteration to the constitution and a question asking if you approve the proposed alteration. You will be required to write either “Yes” or “No” in English on the ballot paper. It is crucial to note that a cross on the ballot paper will be considered an informal vote and will not be counted. A tick, on the other hand, will be regarded as a “Yes” vote. This distinction is due to vote saving provisions that ensure a vote can be counted even if the voter does not strictly follow the instructions but expresses a clear intention.

The ruling on ticks and crosses is based on legal advice from 1988, as well as updated advice from the Australian government solicitor issued earlier this year. The AEC has also provided a sample online ballot to allow voters to practice before casting their official vote.

Do I have to vote in the referendum?

Voting in the referendum is compulsory for all Australians who are on the electoral roll. Failure to vote without a valid reason can result in penalties.

How do I vote if I’m overseas?

If you are overseas during the referendum vote, you have two options: postal voting or in-person voting at selected Australian embassies, consulates, and High Commissions. To vote via post, you will need a fixed address where the ballot paper can be sent. You will also need to apply for a postal vote, with applications closing at 6pm local time on Wednesday, October 11. Once you receive your postal voting pack, it is important to complete and return your ballot paper as soon as possible. The AEC advises overseas postal voters to return the ballots to their nearest Australian embassy or High Commission for quicker delivery, although local mail services can also be used. The AEC has provided a state-by-state list of addresses for local mail postal votes for reference. For in-person voting, the AEC will establish overseas voting centers at selected diplomatic missions, and voters can find the nearest voting center on the AEC’s website.

Can I still register to be a silent elector?

If you wish to register as a silent elector, meaning your address will not appear on the public electoral roll for personal or family safety reasons, you can do so through the AEC. As part of the application process, you will need to submit a statutory declaration explaining the risk to you or your family. It is important to note that reasons such as profession, having a private phone number, or not wanting to receive junk mail are not considered valid standalone reasons. The AEC strongly recommends that other family members sharing the same name and address also become silent electors. However, it is important to note that the silent elector status will only apply to future federal, state, and local government elections, as the deadline for enrollment to vote in the referendum has passed.

In conclusion, early voting for the Voice to Parliament referendum has commenced in half of Australia. Eligible voters are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity if they are unable to vote on the designated date. The AEC has established numerous early polling locations across the country, and voters can access the ‘Where Can I Vote?’ tool for detailed information. It is essential to follow the voting instructions, write “Yes” or “No” on the ballot paper, and avoid using crosses, as these may lead to an invalid vote. Remember, voting in the referendum is compulsory for all Australians on the electoral roll, and voting options are available for those overseas. If you have concerns for your personal or family safety, you can register as a silent elector for future elections. Exercise your democratic right and make your voice heard in this important referendum.