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How do I have my say? · 1 min read

Voting

As outlined in Part 2, in Australia, citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote in federal, state and territory elections and referenda on constitutional change.

In Australia’s parliamentary democracy, citizens have a say on how Australia is governed by voting for a person to represent them in parliament. If you are not correctly enrolled, you are not able to vote in an election.

Voting is compulsory in Australian elections, or if there are referenda on constitutional change.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is a Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums, and maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll. The AEC is independent of the government. Political parties or people in government cannot influence the decisions of the AEC.

In Australia, voting in an election is by secret ballot, so you are free and safe to vote for any candidate. No one is allowed to know whom you have voted for, unless you choose to tell them. If you do not vote in an election and do not have a good reason for not voting, you may have to pay a fine. Compulsory voting is a way to make sure that the people have a say in who will govern and represent them in parliament.

Test yourself on this topic

11 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. A citizen turns 18 but never enrols. What happens when an election is held?

    • They are enrolled at the polling place that day
    • They may vote once and enrol afterwards
    • They cannot vote because they are not enrolled
    • They may vote if they bring identification

    Explanation: Correct enrolment is what makes voting possible, so a person who has not enrolled is unable to vote.

  2. 2. At what age must Australian citizens enrol to vote?

    • 25 years or over
    • 16 years or over
    • 21 years or over
    • 18 years or over

    Explanation: Enrolment is required once a citizen reaches 18 years of age.

  3. 3. In Australia's parliamentary democracy, how do citizens have a say in how the country is governed?

    • By writing the laws that the parliament will debate
    • By voting for a person to represent them in parliament
    • By choosing the officials who work for the AEC
    • By deciding when the next election will be held

    Explanation: Citizens do not make laws themselves; they elect representatives who act for them in the parliament.

  4. 4. Referenda in Australia ask voters about what?

    • The amount of tax people pay
    • Changes to local council rules
    • Changes to the Constitution
    • The choice of the Prime Minister

    Explanation: A referendum is a vote on changing the Constitution, which is why enrolled citizens must take part in one.

  5. 5. Voting is compulsory in which of these?

    • Elections and referenda on constitutional change
    • Only elections held after a change of government
    • Elections, but not referenda of any kind
    • Referenda, but not elections of any kind

    Explanation: Enrolled citizens must vote both at elections and when a referendum on the Constitution is held.

  6. 6. What is the position of the Australian Electoral Commission in relation to the government?

    • It takes its instructions from state governments
    • It is independent and cannot be influenced by parties
    • It is directed by the party that wins the election
    • It is managed by a group of party representatives

    Explanation: The AEC works independently, so neither political parties nor people in government can influence its decisions.

  7. 7. What is the purpose of compulsory voting in Australia?

    • To make sure the people have a say in who governs
    • To make sure every party receives the same support
    • To make sure the government keeps its promises
    • To make sure elections are held at regular times

    Explanation: When everyone must vote, the result reflects the whole community's choice of who will govern and represent them.

  8. 8. What may happen to a person who does not vote and has no good reason for not voting?

    • They are taken off the electoral roll
    • They may lose their citizenship
    • They must vote twice at the next election
    • They may have to pay a fine

    Explanation: Voting is compulsory, so failing to vote without a good reason can lead to a fine.

  9. 9. Which TWO of these are responsibilities of the Australian Electoral Commission?

    • Maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll
    • Conducting federal elections and referendums
    • Deciding which laws the parliament passes
    • Choosing the candidates for each party

    Explanation: The AEC runs federal elections and referendums and keeps the electoral roll. It does not select candidates or make laws.

  10. 10. Who is allowed to know which candidate you voted for?

    • No one, unless you decide to tell them
    • Only the other members of your household
    • Only the candidate you voted for
    • Only the officials who count the votes

    Explanation: Your vote is secret. It is entirely your own choice whether to tell anyone how you voted.

  11. 11. Why is voting in Australian elections done by secret ballot?

    • So the result can be announced on the same day
    • So the votes can be counted much more quickly
    • So parties can check that supporters have voted
    • So you are free and safe to vote for any candidate

    Explanation: Because nobody sees how you voted, you can choose any candidate without fear or pressure.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet