Understanding Referendums
A federal referendum is a national vote on a question about a proposed change to the Constitution. The Constitution is the founding document for how our country is governed. There have been 44 referendums held since 1901. It’s been quite a while since Australia held one – the last referendum was more than 20 years ago in 1999. The Australian Electoral Commission has a presentation outlining the process.
Who needs to vote
All Australian citizens aged 18 and over must vote in a referendum. You must be enrolled and you should update your enrolment details if you have:
• recently changed your name or address
• turned 18, or
• become an Australian citizen.
Visit aec.gov.au or pick up an enrolment form from any AEC office.
How to vote
Voting in a referendum is different to an election. You only need to complete one ballot paper. The ballot paper will show a question about a proposed change to the Constitution. To vote, write ‘yes’ if you approve or ‘no’ if you do not approve the proposed change.
When and where to vote
Voting day will be held on a Saturday with polling places open between 8am and 6pm around the country. Mobile polling teams will also visit many remote areas in the weeks leading up to voting day. More details will be available at aec.gov.au closer to the referendum.
Stop and consider the source
Your vote at the referendum will help make an important decision for Australia. During the referendum period, you may come across information that is deliberately misleading.
Stop, check, and consider the source of what you see, hear, or read. Don’t be misled by disinformation this referendum.
Visit aec.gov.au for tips on checking the source.