Australian Federal Election 2025: How to Vote and What to Know

After delays due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finally called the 2025 Federal Election for Saturday, May 3. Both major parties have been campaigning for months, but now, it’s official. Albanese visited Governor-General Samantha Mostyn today to request the election, kicking off the race for Australia’s leadership.

So, what does this mean for you? Here’s a quick guide to everything Australian voters need to know.

Who Needs to Vote?

Short answer: everyone over 18.

If you're an Australian citizen, voting is compulsory, and failing to do so will land you a $20 fine.

You’ll also need to enrol or update your details by 8pm on April 4, 2025, if:

• You just turned 18.

• You moved house since the last election (2022).

• You’ve returned from living overseas.

You can check your enrolment status online to make sure you're good to go.

When and How Can You Vote?

• Election Day: Saturday, May 3, 2025

• Early Voting: Opens around two weeks before Election Day (exact dates TBD).

If you can’t make it on the day, you can vote early if you:

• Are outside your electorate.

• Are traveling.

• Live more than 8km from a polling place.

• Can’t leave work.

• Are seriously ill, pregnant, or caring for someone who is.

• Have a disability or care for someone with one.

• Are in hospital or prison (serving less than three years).

• Have religious beliefs preventing you from attending.

The details for early voting locations aren’t out yet, so check the Electoral Commission’s website closer to the date.

Voting from Overseas or Interstate

If you’re overseas, you can vote at an overseas voting centre or by post—otherwise, you’ll cop the $20 fine.

If you’re in a different state on Election Day, you’ll need to vote at an interstate voting centre. More details will be available online closer to May 3.

How to Vote on Election Day

Polling places are usually in schools, churches, community halls, or public buildings—locations will be confirmed online.

What You’ll Get:

📄 House of Representatives ballot – a small piece of paper where you number EVERY box in order of preference.

📄 Senate ballot – a larger sheet where you can either:

• Number at least six boxes above the line for parties/groups.

• Number at least 12 boxes below the line for individual candidates.

Remember, Albanese and Dutton must win their own electorates to remain in the running for Prime Minister.

Who’s Running?

The two major parties battling it out are:

• Australian Labor Party (ALP) – led by Anthony Albanese (current PM).

• Coalition – a Liberal-National alliance led by Peter Dutton.

Current numbers in Parliament:

• Labor: 77 seats (majority).

• Coalition: 58 seats (its lowest since 1983).

• Greens: 4 seats.

• Independents: 10 seats (record high).

• Others: Centre Alliance & Katter’s Australia Party hold one seat each.

What’s "Caretaker Mode" and Why Does It Matter?

Now that the election is called, Parliament is dissolved—literally marked by cannon fire in Canberra.

This puts the government into caretaker mode, meaning:

• No major policy decisions that could bind the next government.

• No big appointments or contracts.

• No significant international negotiations.

Basically, the government is on pause until after the election. However, decisions made before caretaker mode but announced later still count.

This election is shaping up to be a huge showdown between Albanese and Dutton. Whether Labor keeps its majority or the Coalition makes a comeback remains to be seen.

For now, make sure you’re enrolled, check your polling place details, and get ready to vote on May 3. It’s game on!