And we’re off! Early voting has opened for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum across Australia.
For those who can’t vote in person on the day of the referendum, early voting centres are now open nationwide for in-person ballot casting.
Parts of the country were able to vote from Monday, 2 October. A public holiday in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, meant that early voting centres across those jurisdictions couldn’t open until Tuesday, 3 October.
The ability to vote early in the referendum marks the beginning of the end of a long political campaign in which a nation will decide whether or not to write First Nations people into its Consitution for the first time.
Now that we’re on the home stretch, here’s what you need to know about voting early.
When Do We Vote for The Voice?
The date of the referendum is Saturday, 14 October.
Polling will be open from 8am to 6pm on that day.
However, for those who can’t vote in person, “hundreds” of early voting centres will be open for two weeks prior to the referendum, according to the Australian Electoral Commission.
Early voting will begin on Monday 2 October in the following states and territories:
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Early voting will begin on Tuesday 3 October in the following states and territories due to a public holiday:
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Where Can I Vote Early?
If you plan to vote early in person, the AEC has a handy tool for finding the nearest early voting centre. Head to their site and input your postcode or suburb to bring up locations and opening times of early voting centres near you.
Click here for where to early vote near you.
Do You Have to Vote in The Voice Referendum?
Yes, voting in The Voice referendum is compulsory.
Just like an election, everyone who is on the electoral register will have to vote.
Failure to vote could result in a penalty fine which varies depending on your state or territory.
Related: Breaking Down the Official Yes and No Campaigns for the Voice to Parliament
Related: FYI — It’s Legal For Our Politicians to Lie About the Voice
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