WITH the federal election to be held on May 18, local Australians of voting age are being urged to act now to ensure they are enrolled before the deadline of 8pm on Thursday, April 18.
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Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to enrol and vote in the May 18 federal election.
"Enrolling and voting is compulsory. If you are not enrolled, you can't vote in the 2019 federal election," Mr Rogers said.
Australians must also update their address details on the electoral roll if they have moved, or changed their name.
If you're not sure of your current status, check online via the AEC website or call 132 326.
"A record 96.5 per cent of eligible Australians are currently enrolled, which is an extraordinary achievement. At the same time, there are still people who remain unenrolled who need to take action before the deadline of 8pm next Thursday, April 18," Mr Rogers said.
The best and quickest way to enrol or update your details is to visit aec.gov.au.
Australians unable to go online can pick up a paper enrolment form at any AEC office or Australia Post. But note correctly completed applications must be returned to the AEC by the 8pm deadline on April 18, when the electoral rolls will close.
Seventeen-year-old Australians turning 18 years of age on or before May 18 should also enrol and vote in the federal election.
Meanwhile, candidate nominations will close at noon on Tuesday, April 23, and the declaration of candidate nominations will be made at noon the following day.
Early voting starts on Monday, April 29.