The 2025 Federal Election has begun, with hundreds of people heading to the booth in Crown Street Mall during the first three hours of early voting today.
Given past trends in early voting, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) anticipates that about half of all voters will cast their vote during the pre-poll period (via in-person early votes, mobile and postal voting).
“Australian elections are unique and special in many ways – including the variety of voting options provided," Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said.
"In many democracies around the world people have just a single location and single day to cast their vote.
“The bulk of our work still happens on election day, but for a variety of reasons it’s clear from past elections that more Australians are needing to access early voting options. Just over half of all voters cast an early vote, including a postal vote in 2022, and we expect that number to be similar this year.”
Early voting centres open progressively, with some only opening into the final week of the election. To find out where and when to vote, visit the AEC website.
The final countdown
- Tuesday, 22 April: Early voting begins and runs up to and including Friday, 2 May.
- Friday, 25 April: Early voting centres will be closed on Anzac Day.
- Tuesday, 29 April: Which candidate will best represent women? Find out from 6.30-8.30pm at the Foundery Cafe in Port Kembla when the Illawarra Women's Health Centre, Women Illawarra, SASSHI and Wollongong Homeless Hub will hold a forum titled 'Representing Women'. Bookings via Humanitix. Confirmed attendees include Carol Berry (Labor), Jamie Dixon (Greens), Paddy Moylan (Independent); Alison Byrnes MP (Labor), Jess Whittaker (Greens).
- Wednesday, 30 April: Postal vote applications must be in by 6pm on the 30th. Postal votes must be completed on or before 6pm on election day on May 3 and the AEC must receive your postal vote by the 13th day after election day to include it in the count.
- Saturday, 3 May: Election Day. Vote at any polling place in your state or territory. Polling places – usually at local schools, churches, community halls and public buildings – open at 8am and close at 6pm. To find your nearest polling place visit aec.gov.au/where
Read more
The Illawarra Flame puts the same questions to all candidates, giving everyone a chance to share their vision for Australia.
- Q&A with Amanda Ivaneza, Liberal candidate for Cunningham
- Q&A with Jess Whittaker, Greens candidate for Cunningham
- Q&A with Alison Byrnes, the current Labor MP for Cunningham
- Q&A with Tim Lavers, the Animal Justice Party's candidate for Cunningham
- Q&A with Carol Berry, Labor candidate for Whitlam
- Q&A with Nathaniel Smith, Liberal candidate for Whitlam