WITH the Federal Election called for 21 May 2022, it is time to make sure that you understand your voting obligations.

All Australian citizens aged over eighteen years are expected to take part in this compulsory voting process.

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Pre-polling will open two weeks before the May 21 election date – but Australians must have an acceptable reason to vote early, Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers warned.

Most voting happens in-person on the day of the election, at polling booths across the country.

However you can apply for a postal vote directly through the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au/pva.

“While elections are in-person community events and we expect voters to turn out, Australians who won’t be able to make it in-person can now apply for a postal vote,” Mr Rogers said.

“Political parties can send postal vote applications in the mail or you might get a text message linking you back to a party website – it’s legal and the applications will get to us.

“However, the quickest and easiest option is to do it directly at aec.gov.au.”

Given the prevalence of COVID-19 infections in the community the Federal Government has amended voting legislation to ensure that those in isolation are still able to vote.

The legislation states, “If the Electoral Commissioner is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it is necessary or conducive to ensure the due conduct of a general election, Senate election or by-election, the Electoral Commissioner may, by legislative instrument, determine that a secure telephone voting method prescribed for the purposes of subsection 202AB(1B) may be used by individuals in Australia.”

By Marian SAMPSON