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Vote by post

Apply to vote by post in the 2026 state election from now until 6 pm on Wednesday 25 November.

Apply early to allow enough time for the ballot pack to reach you.

Apply online

The quickest way to apply for a postal vote is by using our online form.

Apply for a postal vote (within Victoria)

Apply for a postal vote (outside Victoria)

Having technical issues with the application form?

Verification question

When you apply for a postal vote online, you must choose a verification question and nominate an answer.

Keep a record of your answer. You must include it on the declaration on your ballot pack when you return your ballot papers.

If you asked for emailed ballot papers, you'll need your answer to download your ballot pack.

We use this question to confirm your identity and admit your vote to the count.

Overseas voters

If you’re overseas, we recommend you get your ballot pack by email. You can select this option when you apply using the online form.

If you receive your ballot pack by email, you will need to post it back or drop it off at one of our international venues. You cannot send it back to us by email.

Apply using a paper form

If you prefer, you can also complete a paper application form to vote by post. Paper application forms are available from:

  • Australia Post offices in Victoria
  • VEC head office – Level 11, 530 Collins St, Melbourne
  • your district election office.

Election office details will be available from 9 am on Wednesday 4 November.

Who sends postal votes

Postal vote applications must only be sent by us or through Australia Post outlets.

Candidates or political parties, or anyone else, are not allowed to send you postal vote applications.

If you receive a postal vote application from anyone other than us:

Getting your ballot pack by email

If you’re outside Victoria, or your mail service is slow or unreliable, we can email you a ballot pack.

We'll send you a link to download and print your ballot pack. You’ll need access to a printer.

If you receive your ballot pack by email it does not mean you can vote online. There is no online voting in this election.

Returning your vote

For your vote to count you must:

  • post it back to us before 6 pm on Saturday 28 November
  • drop it off at any early or election day voting centre in Victoria before 6 pm on Saturday 28 November.

Allow time for your vote to reach us. We must receive it no later than Friday 4 December to add it to the count.

Returning your vote from overseas

If you are overseas you can:

  • post your vote to the VEC in Melbourne
  • take your vote to your nearest overseas postal ballot drop-off location for fast return by international courier.

Find overseas ballot drop-off locations in our Election venue locator from Wednesday 4 November (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).

We must receive your vote by Friday 4 December to add it to the count. Please allow enough time for it to reach us.

General postal voters

Some people can enrol to always vote by post in state and local council elections.

To be a general postal voter in this election, apply before 8 pm on Tuesday 3 November.

Find out more about becoming a general postal voter.

How to complete your postal vote

How to do your postal vote

Video transcript

In your ballot pack you have received a declaration envelope, two ballot papers - a district and a region ballot paper - a reply-paid envelope and a guide to postal voting.

There's one important step to remember before you return your vote: the declaration envelope.
 
Completing the declaration envelope correctly ensures your vote is counted this election.

Let’s get started. 

Before you begin voting, have your witness with you. Show them your unmarked ballot papers and declaration envelope.
You must complete your ballot papers in the presence of your witness, but do not show them your vote.
Once you have completed your ballot papers, and while your witness is still present, fold your ballot papers, place them in the declaration envelope, and seal it. 
 
Next, complete the declaration on the envelope by signing and dating it.
 
If you applied for a postal vote online, you must answer the verification question in the yellow box. If you are a general postal voter or applied with an application from a post office, you do not need to answer a verification question.
 
Now, your witness must complete, sign and date the envelope and complete their details.
 
Place the completed declaration envelope into the reply-paid envelope.

Your vote must be posted back to the VEC, or delivered to a voting centre before 6 pm on election day.