Citizenship› Part 3› Voting & Having Your Say
Part 3 · Sub-section 1 of 8

Voting & Having Your Say

At the citizenship ceremony, you pledge to uphold and obey the laws of Australia. A vital part of this is understanding how citizens participate in their democracy — starting with the most powerful tool you have: your vote.

How Australian Citizens Vote

In Australia's parliamentary democracy, citizens have a say in how Australia is governed by voting for a person to represent them in parliament. Citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote in federal, state and territory elections, and in referenda on constitutional change.

📋 Enrol to Vote Required for all citizens 18+
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🗳️ Cast Your Vote Secret ballot — compulsory
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🏛️ Representatives Elected House of Reps & Senate
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⚖️ Government Formed Laws made on your behalf

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is a Commonwealth agency responsible for:

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Conducting Elections
The AEC runs all federal elections and referendums across Australia.
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Electoral Roll
The AEC maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll — the list of enrolled voters.
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Independent
The AEC is independent of the government. Political parties cannot influence its decisions.
Key Fact: If you are not correctly enrolled with the AEC, you are not able to vote in an election. Enrolment is your first step.

Secret Ballot & Compulsory Voting

Two features of Australian voting make it unique among democracies: it is secret and it is compulsory.

Feature What It Means Why It Matters
Secret Ballot No one is allowed to know who you voted for, unless you choose to tell them. You are free and safe to vote for any candidate without fear.
Compulsory Voting All enrolled citizens aged 18+ must vote in federal and state/territory elections, and referendums. Ensures everyone has a say in who will govern and represent them in parliament.
Fine for Not Voting If you do not vote and do not have a good reason, you may have to pay a fine. Reinforces the importance of voting as a civic responsibility.
Note: Voting may not be compulsory in some local government elections in some states — but it is compulsory in all federal and state/territory elections.

Raising Matters with Your Representatives

Your democratic voice doesn't stop at the ballot box. Australian citizens can contact their elected representative to raise concerns about government policy.

In this way, all Australians can have a say in forming the laws and policies of a government. If a citizen tells their elected representative that a law needs to be changed, the elected representative should consider what has been suggested.

Remember: You have two ways to have your say — voting in elections AND contacting your elected representative directly about issues that matter to you.

Key Points to Remember

Quick Check

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Question 1 of 5
What is the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) responsible for?
Why it matters: The AEC is the independent body that runs Australia's federal elections and referendums and manages who is enrolled to vote. Political parties cannot influence its decisions — this protects the integrity of Australian democracy.
Question 2 of 5
Is voting compulsory in Australian federal and state/territory elections?
Why it matters: Australia is one of the few countries where voting is compulsory. All enrolled citizens aged 18+ must vote. Compulsory voting ensures that every Australian has a say in who governs the country.
Question 3 of 5
What is a "secret ballot"?
Why it matters: The secret ballot protects your freedom to vote for any candidate without fear of pressure, threats, or retaliation. You are free and safe to vote for whoever you choose.
Question 4 of 5
What may happen if you do not vote and do not have a good reason?
Why it matters: Because voting is compulsory, failing to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine. This reinforces that voting is both a right AND a responsibility of Australian citizenship.
Question 5 of 5
Besides voting in elections, how else can Australian citizens have a say in government?
Why it matters: Australian citizens can contact their elected representative (their MP or Senator) to raise concerns about government policy. The elected representative should consider what has been suggested. This is another key way all Australians can influence law and policy.

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