Elections while travelling
If there is an election while you are away you can still vote without great hassle. Alternatively if Rudd or Abbot in 10′ don’t take your fancy not voting will not mean a fine. Provided your registration details are current you will receive a lette
r from the AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) asking why you did not vote. If your reason is your absence overseas you get away scott free. If you want to be overly cautious you can let the AEC know of your intentions to travel before you leave.
Ways you can vote while overseas:
- In person: Once an election is called a list of overseas polling places will be listed on the AEC website.
- Postal vote: You can download a postal vote form from the AEC website. Once an election is called you will have to send or fax this form to the nearest overseas polling place. This procedure can differ between the states and territories so check the AEC well in advance.
- Voting in advance: Shortly before the election the AEC sets up polling booths at major airports where you can cast your vote in advance.
Check out the AEC website for details (http://www.aec.gov.au/FAQs/Voting_Overseas.htm)
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