The federal election has been announced and Australians must act now to ensure they are enrolled to vote by the deadline of 8pm on 12 August 2013, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said today.
Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn said all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to enrol and vote in the Saturday 7 September federal election.
“To enrol, go online at www.aec.gov.au/enrol. Enrolments can also be completed by tablet or smartphone,” Mr Killesteyn said.
“It’s important that you enrol now, because if you are not enrolled by the deadline you won’t be able to vote in the 2013 federal election.”
Paper enrolment forms are available at any AEC office, Australia Post, Centrelink or Medicare outlet, and must be completed and returned to the AEC by the 8pm 12 August deadline.
Mr Killesteyn urged all Australians to take the time to check that their address details were up-to-date on the electoral roll.
“Every time you move, you must update your address on the electoral roll. You can do this online at www.aec.gov.au,” Mr Killesteyn said.
“If you haven’t kept your enrolment details up-to-date, you could have been removed from the electoral roll. If you’re unsure if you are on the roll, check your details now at www.aec.gov.au/check or call the AEC on 13 23 26.
“Don’t leave it to the last minute to enrol and risk missing out on your vote. It only takes a few minutes to enrol or update your details online.”
Seventeen year old Australians turning eighteen on or before 7 September 2013 can also enrol and vote in the federal election.
| Announcement of election | Sunday 4 August 2013 |
|---|---|
| Issue of writ | Monday 5 August 2013 |
| Close of rolls | 8pm Monday 12 August 2013 |
| Close of candidate nominations | 12 midday Thursday 15 August 2013 |
| Declaration of candidate nominations | 12 midday Friday 16 August 2013 |
| Election day | Saturday 7 September 2013 |
| Return of writs (latest date) | Wednesday 13 November 2013 |
