How Old Do I Need to Be to Vote in Australia?

Is it time for you to start voting in Australia?

There's an idea out there that young people in Australia aren't very engaged with politics.

While that's not exactly a fair stereotype given the growing amount of young people involved in activism, if you've followed the state of affairs in Australian politics over the last few years, you'd agree it's understandable.

But listen up, because we're going to let you in on a big secret. The only way to enact change is to take matters into your own hands, and in the context of a democracy, that means voting.

Don't let people tell you your vote doesn't count. It does and previous elections have shown us how close the vote counts between political candidates really get.

So, how old do I actually need to be to vote?

It's actually a pretty simple question in the case of Australia. There's one minimum voting age and that's 18 (although, you can enrol as early as 16, so you'll be ready when the time comes). Once you turn the magic one-eight, you will need to vote in all elections; local, state and federal. It's compulsory and you could get fined if you don't show up on voting day or pop your vote in a pre-polling station.

There's just one step you need to follow before you can do all that voting.

You've gotta enrol.

Yes, enrol. "Surely, that's a long and arduous process and I. Do. Not. Have. Time. For. This." Well, it's actually about as easy as signing up for a social media account.

Firstly, you've got to be at least 16 to enrol (but you won't be able to vote until 18) and secondly, you've got to be an Australian citizen.

Double tick? Great, now head to the Australian Electoral Commission's (AEC) site with either your driver's licence, an Australian passport or someone who's already enrolled to confirm your identity.

Fill out the form and voilà. 

When's the next election?

The last federal election took place on 18 May 2019, so, you've got about three years until the next. However, there are state elections and other minor elections to consider as well! If you're about to turn 18, or will be by the time of the next election, you better enrol ASAP.

While there have been some attempts to lower the voting age to 16, neither party has announced any upcoming plans to change that law in the next election, so you'll just have to sit tight if you're underage.

Until then, mark the date you turn 16 or 18 in your diaries and remember to enrol today. If that day has already arrived and you've accidentally forgotten, don't hesitate any further!

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Header Image: iStock.com/PeopleImages