Early voting for Australia’s 2025 federal election opened on Tuesday, April 22, with a record-breaking turnout that has already surpassed figures from the 2022 election. Hundreds of early voting centres across the country opened their doors at 8:30 a.m. local time, drawing a significant portion of the nation’s 18 million registered voters to cast their ballots ahead of the official election day on May 3.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) reported that this surge reflects continued growth in early voting participation, which has steadily increased from under 20% in 2004 to almost 50% in 2022, and is now breaking previous records once again in 2025.
The strong early voting turnout is attributed to the convenience of pre-polling options and possibly a voter sentiment of disengagement with traditional party politics, according to political analysts. The AEC confirmed that a record 98.2% of eligible Australians are enrolled to vote this year, the highest participation rate on record.
Despite millions already voting, the counting of ballots will only commence once polls close at 6 p.m. on election day. This early engagement highlights a trend where voters are making decisions well before the official election day, with recent polling suggesting the incumbent Albanese government holds a clear lead.
In Non-Mainstream Media
Context & Background
Early voting in Australia has been growing steadily in popularity since it was introduced in 2004. Initially less than 20% of voters took advantage of early or postal voting options, but by the 2022 federal election, nearly half of Australians chose to vote before election day. This increase is driven by the convenience it offers, allowing voters to participate ahead of the busy official polling day. The 2025 federal election is set to be Australia’s largest ever, with over 18 million enrolled voters—the highest ever recorded. The Australian Electoral Commission has expanded the number of polling venues and enhanced accessibility options to manage this unprecedented scale. Despite the high turnout for early voting, counting of ballots will only occur after polls close on May 3, maintaining procedural integrity.
In This Story
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
The independent federal agency responsible for conducting Australian elections, managing the electoral roll, and ensuring the integrity of the voting process.
Albanese Government
The current Australian federal government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which holds a lead in recent polls during the 2025 election campaign.
Australian National University (ANU)
A leading university in Australia where political analysts provide commentary on voting trends and electoral engagement.
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