The referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament will take place on Saturday 14 October.
Australians will vote on changing the Constitution – a document that sets out how Australia is governed – to recognise First Nations people.
It’s the first referendum held in Australia since 1999. Here’s how you vote.
How to enrol for the referendum
Australians must be enrolled with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to vote. If you’ve enrolled for past elections, you’re automatically enrolled for the referendum. You can enrol or check your enrolment status via the AEC website.
A cut-off date for enrolment hasn’t been announced yet.
Postal voting
Australians who are unable to vote in person on referendum day can apply for a postal vote. The date that postal vote applications open is expected to be announced shortly.
Postal vote applications will close on Wednesday 11 October. The last day the AEC can accept postal votes is 27 October.
What if I’m overseas on voting day?
Australians who are overseas can cast their vote at an early polling station before referendum day. There will be overseas voting centres at some Australian Embassies, Consulates, and High Commissions. The AEC will publish a list of overseas voting centres ahead of referendum day.
Postal voting is also available.
Voting isn’t compulsory for overseas Australians.
How do you vote in the referendum?
You’ll be able to vote at a local school or community centre on referendum day, just like during an election. However, the actual referendum ballot will look different to election ballots.
You’ll receive a single paper at a polling station. This will include the question for the referendum, and a box for you to fill in your answer.
The question on the ballot paper will read: A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?
You’ll need to clearly write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the ballot paper. A tick will count as a ‘Yes’ vote. A cross won’t count as either option.
Are there other voting options?
Portable polling stations will travel to remote parts of Australia, and some aged care facilities.
Those who are blind or with low vision can cast a vote over the phone. This will also be open to Australians stationed in Antarctica.
Online voting is not an option for this referendum.
