The Australian Electoral Commission is calling all eligible voters to enrol their names to an electoral roll up until 8:00pm Monday, August 12, 2013

According to AEC all qualified voters can enrol online or by completing an enrolment form which can be obtained from the post office or an electoral commission office.

"This is the one chance people get every three years to have a voice in who governs our country. And in Australia we have a fairly rare system in that enrolment and voting is compulsory on both counts. So basically, people are not just encouraged but they are required to enrol to vote and to cast their vote," Peter Kramer of AEC said.

Mr Kramer especially called for the young voters as there are only one in four young people eligible voters who are not on a roll. Those who have turned 18 years old at present and by September 7 are already eligible to vote.

"This is an important time for them, quite often they're finishing school, going into uni, getting on with a new phase in their lives. Voting's a habit. It's one of those things that once you've done it once you will keep on doing it so it's important to get into the habit of voting."

Meanwhile, Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn urged all voters to scan through their enrolment details at www.aec.gov.au.

"Enrolments can also be completed by tablet or smartphone. It's important that you enrol now. If you are not enrolled by the deadline, you won't be able to vote in the 2013 federal election."

According to AEC Web site, voters who have changed their address should notify the commission of the change in residence as the commission might strike them off their old address.

Those who are enrolling for the roll need to provide their identity validation through either of the following: their passport number, drivers' licence or have any enrolled voter to testify for their identities.

For other inquiries, AEC urged people to call AEC Hotline on 13 23 26.

Some very important reminders from the AEC Web site:

  • For those who DO NOT VOTE but eligible to vote:

Initially the Australian Electoral Commission will write to all apparent non-voters requesting that they either provide a reason for their failure to vote or pay a $20 penalty.

If, within 21 days, the apparent non-voter fails to reply, cannot provide a valid and sufficient reason or declines to pay the penalty, then prosecution proceedings may be instigated. If the matter is dealt with in court and the person is found guilty, he or she may be fined up to $50 plus court costs.

  • For those who can't vote for election day:

Postal and pre-poll voting: Electros who for various reasons cannot attend a polling place anywhere in the State or Territory for which they are enrolled on polling day can apply for a postal vote.

The AEC will then send them their ballot papers which must be posted back before polling day. Alternatively a 'pre-poll' can be cast in person at a pre-poll voting centre or divisional office in the lead up to polling day as soon as early voting becomes available. Early voting dates will be publicised.

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