Enrolment Closes Today: 98 Percent Already Signed up to Vote in Federal Election

An additional 710,000 people had joined the electoral roll by the end of 2024, compared to the 2022 federal election.

Votes are counted at the Australian Electoral Commission in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 14, 2023. Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images

With a record 98 percent of eligible Australians already enrolled, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is urging the remaining 2 percent to act fast and enrol by 8 p.m. tonight to vote in the 2025 federal election.

“There are still people who need to act today to be ready to have their say on election day. Enrolling takes less than five minutes and can be done online at aec.gov.au,” the AEC said in a statement this morning.

In a first for a federal election, Australians can now use their Medicare card as proof of identity to enrol, a move designed to make the process more accessible.

However, the cut-off for enrolment and updating enrolment details is firm—after tonight’s deadline, no changes will be accepted for the May 3 election.

400,000 Voter Registrations Since Election Call

Since the election date was announced, nearly 400,000 enrolment transactions—new registrations and updates—have been submitted, averaging about 40,000 per day.

“The fastest way to enrol is by completing the online enrolement form on the AEC website. Don’t delay and join the 18 million Australians currently on the roll”, said Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope.

The commission said an additional 710,000 people had joined the electoral roll by the end of 2024 compared to the 2022 federal election.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, 385,189 people became Australian citizens between the 2022 and 2024 financial years and are now eligible to vote.

The upcoming election marks a generational shift, with Gen Z and millennials—those born from 1982 onwards—set to become the largest voting bloc, overtaking baby boomers.

The AEC estimates that 396,730 eligible Australians are still not enrolled.

Pope encouraged all Australians to check their status and register promptly, emphasising that voting centres would be accessible even in remote areas.

Printed enrolment forms are also available at AEC offices, but must be filled out and submitted in person by 8 p.m. It is now too late to post paper forms, but they can be uploaded to the AEC website.

“The fastest way to enrol is by completing the online enrolment form on the AEC website. Don’t delay and join the 18 million Australians currently on the roll,” Pope said.

The 2025 election will require 100,000 staff, 80,000 ballot boxes, and 250,000 pencils nationwide.

Candidate Nominations Closing Soon

The AEC also reminded candidates and political parties of upcoming nomination deadlines.

Nominations for individual candidates close at midday (local time) on April 10, while political parties must submit bulk nominations by midday on Tuesday, April 8.

Nomination forms and guidance were released in January, giving parties and individuals ample time to prepare.

The official list of candidates and the ballot order will be announced at public events held across the country at midday on April 11.

The AEC will use a double-randomised ‘bingo’ style draw involving blindfolds and numbered balls to determine the ballot order.

Final candidate lists will be published on the AEC website and social media by the evening of April 11, once verification is complete.