With the federal election likely looming in Australia, it’s time for voters in this down-under democracy to make the most of early voting opportunities. These opportunities allow individuals to cast their ballots either in person or by mail, ensuring that everyone can participate in the democratic process. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) pretty well outlines eligibility for early voting. They lay out vital timelines to guide voters toward making the most informed choice possible.
Eligibility for Early Voting
Voters who want to participate in early voting will find themselves having to familiarize themselves with the extensive and confusing list of eligibility criteria set forth by the AEC. People who are temporarily away from their home electorate where they are enrolled to vote—to go to uni, for example, or work—can vote early. Such a provision would be especially valuable for voters who will be out of town or otherwise living elsewhere during the election period.
Further, voters who reside over 5 miles (8 km) away from a polling location are eligible for early voting. This distance criterion is designed to ensure that those with limited access to polling locations can still exercise their right to vote. Other groups for whom there’s potentially eligibility are people unable to leave their worksite during the hours that polling locations are open. This extends to anyone who is gravely ill, incapacitated, or about to become a parent.
In addition, early voting is available to people with disabilities and hospital patients who are otherwise unable to vote in person. People with religious objections to going to polling places are included in this eligibility category. It’s important to note here that people who are incarcerated and serving a sentence of less than three years may return to their communities to early vote. This would similarly extend to silent electors and those in reasonable fear of their safety or well-being.
Early Voting Process
That’s why the process of early voting, in which folks can vote in person at their leisure before election day, is so important. Voters can decide to vote in-person during an early voting period at specifically designated early voting centers, or they can mail their ballots. If you decide to vote by mail, follow the instructions to fill out your ballot methodically. Just return it on time so it makes it back in time and will be counted!
Early voting centers usually launch a two weeks ahead of the election day. Early voters need to remember that hours may differ from site to site. In reality, some of these centers will not even be open before April 22. It’s important for voters to be prepared and look up the exact dates and locations of early voting sites.
To search for early voting locations, people should head to the AEC’s official website here – it’s as easy as that. The site offers detailed information about early voting centers, including their addresses and hours of operation. Voters are urged to take advantage of these resources to make informed decisions about when and how to cast their votes.
Importance of Early Voting
Without early voting, especially during the pandemic, voters are highly disenfranchised. It provides for other situations that may make someone unable to vote on election day. The AEC offers flexible, creative solutions. This protects every American’s right to engage meaningfully in our democracy.
This system helps to alleviate congestion at polling places on election day. It fuels voters’ ability to vote at a time that might even be more perfectly aligned with their schedules. The wide-ranging eligibility criteria are an important first step to fostering inclusivity and making sure that every voice—not just some—can be heard and counted.
