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I am 17 or 18

When you turn 18 you are eligible to enrol and vote in Australia. If you are 17, you can provisionally enrol so that you are automatically eligible to vote as soon as you turn 18, even if this happens after the close of rolls for an election.

Voting in elections allows you to elect representatives who best reflect issues that are important to you. When you vote, you choose representatives to make laws and policies that govern how we live together. If you don't vote then you are letting others decide how you should be governed.

In Victoria it is compulsory to vote if you are:

an Australian citizen; and
aged 18 years or over.

How do I enrol?Top

Before you can vote, you must be on the electoral roll. By filling out an enrolment form, you will be placed on the electoral roll for all Federal, State and local council elections.

Enrolment forms can be downloaded from this site or can be picked up from any post office, Centrelink office or from the VEC. If you would like the VEC to send you one directly please contact us.

You need to fill out a new enrolment form if you move house or change your name, but if you go to university you can remain enrolled at your home address.

Your voice, your future?Top

The VEC has produced a quick guide to government, elections and voting in Victoria called Your voice, your future. This booklet can be downloaded from our education section or you can contact our office to be sent a copy.