Voice referendum: The crucial dates for postal and early voting in Australia

Voice Referendum Key Dates for Postal and Early Votes Confirmed

The timeline for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum has been set, and with it comes important information about key dates for enrolling and voting. Australians can now apply for postal voting after Governor-General David Hurley issued the writ for the referendum on September 11. Here’s what you need to know.

Enrolling to Vote

Australians have less than a week to enroll or update their details on the electoral roll in order to be able to vote. The roll will close on Monday, September 18. If you have voted in previous elections and your details have not changed, you do not need to do anything for this election.

The easiest way to enroll is online at the AEC enrolment website. You will need one of the following identification documents: driver’s license, Australian passport number, Medicare card number, or Australian citizenship number. If you do not have any of these, you can have someone who is enrolled confirm your identity. Proof of Age or 18+ cards are not accepted. If you are unsure whether you are enrolled, you can check your details on the AEC website.

Postal Voting

Applications for postal voting will close at 6pm local time on October 11. Postal voting is only available for those who cannot access in-person voting. You can apply for a postal vote if you are: outside the electorate where you are enrolled, more than eight kilometers from a polling place, traveling, unable to leave your workplace on voting day, seriously ill or infirm (or caring for someone who is), a patient in the hospital, have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place, in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained, a silent elector, or have a reasonable fear for your safety or wellbeing.

To apply for postal voting, visit the AEC website. The AEC advises applying directly through their website to ensure a quicker response. It is important to note that the AEC operates under the Privacy Act, ensuring the safety of personal details compared to third-party application portals.

Early Voting

Early voting will commence on Monday, October 2, in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. It will start on Tuesday, October 3, in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia due to a public holiday. The AEC plans to progressively open hundreds of early polling locations in the two weeks leading up to the official voting date on October 14.

To be eligible for early voting, you must fall into one of the categories outlined for postal voting.

Remote Voting Services

Remote voting services will start rolling out on Monday, September 25. For information on where these services will be set up, visit the AEC website.

The Voice to Parliament

The Voice to Parliament refers to a proposed permanent body representing First Nations people that would advise the government on policies and laws affecting their lives. Its establishment would address the need for Indigenous voices to be heard and considered in the decision-making process.

Editorial: The Indigenous Voice and Australia‘s Democracy

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum is a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive and representative democracy in Australia. The establishment of a dedicated body to provide advice on matters affecting First Nations people acknowledges the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping policies and laws that directly impact their lives.

This referendum gives all Australians an opportunity to recognize the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and work towards a more equitable and just society. It is a chance to rectify the exclusion and marginalization that has been experienced by First Nations people for centuries.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the referendum alone is not enough. Its success should be followed by meaningful action and implementation of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The ongoing commitment of the government and broader society to listen and act upon the advice of this body is crucial.

Advice: Exercise Your Right to Vote

As the key dates for the Voice referendum have been confirmed, it is crucial for all eligible Australians to exercise their right to vote. Whether through postal voting, early voting, or on the official voting day, it is essential to actively participate in shaping the future of our democracy.

By casting your vote, you contribute to the democratic process and help ensure that diverse voices are heard and represented in the decision-making process. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum is an opportunity to foster greater understanding, respect, and equality for First Nations people.

Engage with the issues, educate yourself on the Voice to Parliament, and make an informed decision. Each vote counts and can make a difference in creating a more inclusive and representative democracy in Australia.