Australian Citizenship Quiz
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Government and the law in Australia

Voting in Australia

Short answer

Eligible Australian citizens must enrol before voting and are generally required to vote in federal, state and territory elections. Federal elections and referendums are conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission using a secret ballot.

Last reviewed 2026-06-19

Enrolment comes first

Before voting, eligible citizens need to enrol. Enrolment connects a person to the electoral system and is the practical first step in taking part in elections.

A secret ballot

A secret ballot means other people do not have to know how a voter marked their ballot. This helps people vote freely without pressure, intimidation or retaliation.

Who runs federal voting

The Australian Electoral Commission conducts federal elections and referendums. Voting is both a responsibility and a privilege for eligible Australian citizens.

Key facts

  • Eligible citizens must enrol before voting.
  • The Australian Electoral Commission conducts federal elections and referendums.
  • Voting is conducted by secret ballot.
  • Citizens are generally required to vote from age 18.

Common mistakes

  • Thinking enrolment happens automatically at the polling place.
  • Assuming a secret ballot means election results are secret.
  • Confusing a referendum with an ordinary election.

Important vocabulary

enrol
To register on the electoral roll.
Example: An eligible citizen must enrol before voting.
secret ballot
A vote cast privately so others cannot see the choice.
Example: The secret ballot protects voter independence.
referendum
A national vote on a proposed change to the Constitution.
Example: The AEC conducts federal referendums.

Practice questions

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Practice by topic
Question 1
What must eligible citizens do before they can vote in an Australian election?
Question 2
Which organisation conducts federal elections and referendums?
Question 3
Why is voting by secret ballot important?
Australian Democracy Australia is a parliamentary democracy: people elect representatives, government power comes from the people, and laws and governments change through lawful and peaceful processes. Responsibilities of Australian Citizens Australian citizens have responsibilities including obeying Australian laws, voting in elections when required, serving on a jury if called, defending Australia if needed and paying tax when required by law. The Australian Constitution The Australian Constitution is Australia's founding legal document. It sets out the basic rules for governing the country, including Parliament, government powers and how constitutional change must be approved.

Official sources