The 2025 Federal Election is fast approaching, with the country heading to the polls on May 3. Whether it is your first time voting or you are a seasoned voter, understanding the electoral process often catches voters off guard. Yak Staff Writer John Thomas explores the electoral landscape.

The date to enroll has now passed; however, you can still verify your enrollment details via the Australian Electoral Commissions (AEC) website.  Voting is compulsory in Australia, and failure to do so without an adequate reason may result in a fine. 

Do I need an ID to vote?

In Australia, you do not need an ID to vote; all you need is to be enrolled on the electoral roll.  

Where can I find out more about my local Candidates

News outlets offer detailed information about each electorate and the declared candidates standing at the election. A reliable source is the ABC Election Guide which provides a holistic resource of the election.

Polling Day

The big day has arrived and the nation decides its political future for the next three years.

Voting booths will open at 8am and close at 6pm. They are commonly located at public schools, church halls, and other public buildings within the community. 

If you have other plans on Election Day, it is worth planning ahead as at times, ques at polling stations may be quiet lengthy; so allow yourself extra time when heading to cast your vote.

To look at the expected polling places check here.

Can I vote before the Election?

Yes you can. Postal voting applications are now open alternatively you can pre-poll commencing on the 22nd of April up until the day before the election. If you are unable to vote in person on the day, then these two options are available.

Pre-poll locations are available though the AEC website.

How does the voting process work?

If this is your first time voting or your first time voting in a Federal Election, it is a different experience to what you may be use to (if you voted in the previous state and council elections).

Once your attendance has been marked off by AEC staff you will get two voting slips.

The first one (Green) is for the House of Representatives and the second one (White) is for the Senate. One the first slip for the House of Representative, you must rank every candidate by the box next to their name starting at one. These candidates are standing for your federal seat.

On the second slip which is used for the Senate you have two choices for voting, above and below the line. This separates the parties from the party candidates. You need to rank at least six parties from one to six but can rank all of them if you choose to.

Voting above the line means you rank all the separate parties and the vote will be split among the candidates of the party however they see fit. Voting below the line means ranking at least 12 candidates from 1 to 12 but you can rank every candidate if you choose to.

I’ve made a mistake on the ballot paper; what do I do?

If you make a mistake on your ballot paper do not just slip it in the ballot box. A mistake as simple as labelling two boxes the same number will make your vote informal and then declared invalid.

If you make a mistake, take your ballot back to the AEC staff who will be wearing purple vests, who will take the old ballot and replace it with a new one.

Informal votes

However, making certain mistakes or defacing your ballot paper;  makes it an informal vote and then won’t be counted even if the candidates are labelled correctly.

If you label two boxes with the same number, have a name written on it other than the printed candidates names, or marked with ticks or crosses, the vote will be declared informal.

How to vote cards

As you make your way into a polling place, people from all the different parties will try to hand you how to vote cards. These cards simply tell you how they would like you to vote. There is no correct way to vote, your vote is entirely your own personal choice.

Even if you rank one of their candidates as number one it is completely your decision as to where you rank the others.

Don’t forget the Democracy Sausage

An iconic fixture of any Australian election is the Democracy Sausage. A time honoured tradition, most if not all polling booths will have local community organisations hosting a BBQ.  CWA, Lions, Rotary, P&C’s to name a few will represent this slice of Australian culture

To complete your experience in the democratic principles of our great nation, grab yourself a sanga and celebrate your role in our democratic process.

If you are lucky, your polling booth might even have a few cake stalls thrown into the mix.

Where can I see the results?

All major networks will cover the election but for local updates, the ABC Election Website is a safe bet.

Future Opportunities on Election Day

The AEC often recruits staff to assist with polling day. For future elections, keep an eye on the AEC website for a variety of roles ideal for casual and part time workers.