Federal elections and referendums

The Australian Electoral Commission conducts federal elections and referendums; we conduct State and local council elections.

State elections

In a State election you can vote at any voting centre in Victoria on election day. Other ways you can vote include:

• before election day at any early voting centre in Victoria or interstate
• by post
• by phone (if eligible).

You can also apply to become a general postal voter to have your ballot pack posted to you for all future State elections.

Local council elections

Local council elections are held by post. We mail ballot packs to all voters so you can complete your vote and post it back before the voting deadline. You can also hand deliver it to the election office in your council area.

What happens at a voting centre?

When you vote at a voting centre, we will ask:

• your name and address
• if you have already voted in the election.

We will also:

• confirm your electorate
• mark your name on the roll to record you have voted
• give you your ballot paper(s)

You will then be directed to a voting compartment so you can fill in your ballot paper(s) privately. You must then place your completed ballot paper(s) in the ballot box.

Help available

We can help answer any questions you may have about the voting process.

If you need help voting you can also:

• bring a family member or friend to help you fill your ballot paper(s)
• ask us to help you
• bring a written statement of how you want to vote.

Other help includes:

• information on how to vote in languages other than English
• magnifiers
• maxi pencils
• wheelchair-accessible voting screens.

Wheelchair access

All voting centres are audited and rated according to their wheelchair accessibility.

This information will be listed in newspapers and on this website during an election.

Voting centre signage will also indicate the accessibility rating.