Categories: Expat Life

How to vote in the same-sex marriage plebiscite from overseas

Do you wish to have your say in the upcoming postal plebiscite on same-sex marriage?

Officially it’s called the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, and you only have till tomorrow, Thursday 24 August* to register or update your details to participate.

To take part in the non-compulsory postal survey plebiscite by receiving your postal vote at your overseas address you must be correctly enrolled with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) as an overseas elector by 24 August*.

*The AEC website states “Midnight” on 24 August “Australian time”. Given there are three time zones in Australia, we suggest you go with Canberra time which is 3pm in London.

According to Australian expat organisation Advance if you are enrolled to vote in Australia, in order for your postal vote papers to be sent to your overseas address you must also be registered as an overseas elector. If not already, fill out this AEC form .

You must then upload the completed form by 24th August* here.

For more details on the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey on same-sex marriage, see the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.

Are you enrolled to vote?

If you haven’t already, you must be enrolled to vote in Australia to take part in the postal plebiscite. See here about enrolling to vote from overseas with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

According to the AEC website as of today, Wednesday 23 August:

Given the upcoming close of rolls deadline for the marriage survey at midnight* on Thursday 24 August, the quickest and easiest way to have your enrolment enquiry answered is to call the ABS on +61 2 6252 5262 from 8am to 8pm Australian time.

An operator will be able to confirm your enrolment and your postal address for you over the phone.

 

Australian Times

For, by and about Aussies in the UK.