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Everything you need to know about early voting

Early voting in the 2022 Australian Federal Election has begun, even though May 21 is still two weeks away.

The process allows Australians who can't get to a polling place on election day to cast their ballots in person.

Here's everything you need to know about early voting.

FULL COVERAGE: Federal Election 2022

A voter casts their ballot

When does early voting begin?

Early in-person voting opened on May 9, and runs until Friday, May 20.

Who can vote early?

The Australian Electoral Commission says people should vote on election day if they can do so, but that early voting is the way to go for those who can't get to a polling place on May 21.

"Australian elections are in-person events – once every three years the country comes together in a transparent and secure environment to have their say," Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said.

"If you can vote on election day then that's what you should do. However, if your circumstances might prevent you from doing that then you need to think about the early voting options available, and vote according to your circumstances."

READ MORE: The key seats that will determine the outcome of the federal election

People who can vote early are those who, on May 21:

  • are outside the electorate where they are enrolled to vote
  • are more than 8km from a polling place
  • are travelling
  • are unable to leave their workplace to vote
  • are seriously ill, infirm, or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
  • are a patient in hospital who can't vote at the hospital
  • have religious beliefs that prevent them from attending a polling place
  • are in prison serving a sentence of fewer than three years or otherwise detained
  • are a silent elector
  • have a reasonable fear for their safety

Where can I cast an early vote?

There are more than 500 early polling stations opening up across the country.

To find one close to you, head over to the AEC's website.

Do I need to apply to vote early?

Not if you're voting in person. If you're casting a ballot at an early polling station and are registered to vote, you can simply walk up during the station's opening hours.

You do, however, need to make an application if you wish to submit a postal vote.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison, the two men vying to be Prime Minister

Can I vote early by post instead?

If you're unable to get to a polling place on May 21, you're eligible for a postal vote, which can (and, indeed, should) be filled out and sent off before election day.

You need to apply to be able to vote by post. Applications can be submitted on the AEC's website by May 18.

The postal ballots themselves need to be completed before or on May 21 – and signed by a witness – and the AEC needs to receive them no later than 13 days after polling day, otherwise the vote won't be counted.

READ MORE: Redistribution – The brutal game of musical chairs for parliamentary MPs

What if I'm overseas?

The AEC strongly encourages Australians who are overseas to submit their votes by mail, and to do so as early as possible.

There are, however, some in-person polling places in other countries. The AEC has a list of all the overseas postal vote return locations on their site.