How to Vote in Australia: A Punter’s Guide to Not Stuffing It Up

How to Vote in Australia: A Punter’s Guide to Not Stuffing It Up

Hey Punts, 

We just did an episode on how to vote! You can listen here, or if you prefer a read we have summarised it for you below!

So, you know one thing, its compulsory to vote and now you’re staring down the barrel of an election wondering: How the hell does this actually work?

Don’t stress—we’ve broken it down so even the most politically disengaged punter can rock up to the ballot box (or postal vote from the couch) without accidentally voting against your interests.

Step 1: Check You’re Actually Enrolled (Because Yes, They Will Fine You)

First things first: you can’t vote if you’re not enrolled. And if you are enrolled but don’t vote? That’s a fine, mate.

  • How to check? Head to aec.gov.au and hit "Check enrolment".
  • Moved house? Update your details ASAP—otherwise, you’ll rock up to your local polling place only to be told, "Sorry champ, you’re still registered in Woop Woop."
  • First-time voter? Enrol now. The AEC won’t hunt you down if you’ve never enrolled, but let’s be real—you want a say in whether your rent keeps skyrocketing, right?

Pro tip: If you’re not enrolled, you technically can’t be fined for not voting. But that’s a weak excuse—enrol and stop freeloading off the rest of us.

Step 2: Choose Your Voting Adventure

Gone are the days when voting meant only trudging to a school hall on a Saturday. Here are your options:

  • Election Day (The Classic)
    • When? The big day itself (usually a Saturday).
    • Why do it? Democracy sausages. Cake stalls. The vibe.
    • Downside? Lines. So many lines.
  • Early Voting (For the Organised Punter)
    • When? Starts ~2 weeks before Election Day.
    • Why? Skip the crowds, still get the "I voted" sticker cred.
    • Where? Check the AEC website for locations.
  • Postal Vote (For the Lazy Geniuses)
    • When? Apply before Election Day (obviously).
    • Why? Vote in your PJs while watching Bluey.
    • Perfect for: Travellers, hermits, and people who hate human interaction.

Hot tip: There’s an app called Democracy Sausage that shows you which polling booths have snags (including veggie options). Priorities sorted.

Step 3: Actually Decide Who to Vote For (Without Googling on the Spot)

Here’s where most punters panic: the ballot paper looks like a damn crossword.

Tools to Help:

  • Build a Ballot – Answer policy questions (climate, housing, etc.), and it spits out which candidates align with you. Even lets you drag-and-drop your preferences so you don’t mess up the Senate paper.
  • Party policies – Most major parties have a "policies" page. Skim it. If it’s all buzzwords and no substance, red flag.
  • Avoid the "How-to-Vote Card Trap" – Parties hand these out at polling places, suggesting how they want you to vote. Ignore them unless you’re happy letting the major parties decide for you.

House of Reps vs. Senate: WTF’s the Difference?
House of Reps (the "lower house"): You vote for your local MP. Rank every candidate in order (1, 2, 3…).

Senate (the "upper house"): You vote for state/territory reps. Either:

  • Above the line (number 1–6 for parties—easier for the everyday punt).
  • Below the line (number every candidate—hardcore nerd mode).

Why does the Senate matter? Because they review laws and can block dumb stuff. Fun fact, Tasmania gets as many senators as NSW.

Step 4: Preferences—Where Your Vote Goes if Your First Pick Loses

Preferential voting means your vote isn’t wasted if your #1 candidate bombs. Instead, it flows to your next choice. Think of it like:

  1. You order a parmy at the pub.
  2. They’re out, so you ask for the schnitty.
  3. They’re out too, so you settle for the $10 steak.
  4. Your vote keeps moving until someone wins.

Myth busted: Parties don’t control your preferences—they just suggest them on those how-to-vote cards. You decide the order.

Why Bother Voting? (Besides Avoiding a Fine)

Gen Z + Millennials now make up ~50% of voters. That means if young people actually vote, politicians might finally care about things like taxing big corps, getting oil and gas resources and other fun inconsequential stuff like housing affordability!

Senators have way more power than you think. They can block bad laws or push for better ones.

If you don’t vote, you forfeit the right to complain. And let’s be real—complaining is Australia’s national sport.

Final Tip: Don’t Overthink It

  1. Enrol/check your details.
  2. Pick how you’ll vote (in person, early, or postal).
  3. Do some research (even 10 minutes helps), but we do recommend listening to our podcast this month as we interview politicians!
  4. Turn up, vote, get a democracy sausage.
  5. Boom. You’ve just out-politicked 90% of the country.
  6. Now go forth, punter. And may your preferences flow like a well-poured beer. 🍻

This post proudly avoids political bias—because unlike some parties, we trust you to make your own damn decisions. 😉

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