It is just under two weeks until the Voice to Parliament referendum and Hunter pre poll opens on Tuesday.
Early voting started for the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia on Monday.
For the rest of the states - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory - the public holiday meant voting was delayed a day.
If you are an Australian citizen of 18 years or over, it is compulsory for you to vote. For those hoping to vote early, here are the details.
How do I vote early in the referendum?
Voting in the referendum works in a very similar way to a federal election.
You can cast your vote on October 14 at any polling booth within our state of territory, or by visiting a designated interstate polling booth if you are travelling.
If you are planning to vote early, you can do so by post. You will need to apply online or by downloading an application form, filling it out and emailing it to applications@pva.aec.gov.au.
Paper postal votes can be mailed to you by calling 13 23 26. It may take up to six business days for these to arrive.
For most early voters, visiting an early polling booth will be the easier option.
You will need to take a form of identification with you.
When you vote, you will be required to write either 'Yes' or 'No' in a box on the ballot paper, answering the following question:
"A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?"
You can access a sample ballot paper here and you can find out more about how to vote here.
Who can vote early in the referendum?
You can vote by post or early in person if you:
- are outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote
- are more than eight kilometres from a polling place
- are travelling
- are unable to leave your workplace to vote on voting day
- are seriously ill, infirm or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
- are a patient in hospital and can't vote at the hospital
- have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place
- are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained
- are a silent elector
- have a reasonable fear for your safety or wellbeing.
Where do I vote early in the referendum?
If you are Newcastle, pre poll booths can be found at the following locations:
- 117 Scott Street, Newcastle
Tue Oct 3 - Fri Oct 6, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Sat Oct 7 9 am-4 pm; Mon Oct 9- Thu Oct 12, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Fri Oct 13, 8:30 am-6 pm; Sat Oct 14, 8 am-6 pm.
- 31 Gregson Avenue, Mayfield West
Sat Oct 7,9 am-4 pm; Mon Oct 9 - Thu Oct 12, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Fri Oct 13, 8:30 am-6 pm.
- 6/324 Charlestown Road, Charlestown
Tue Oct 3 - Fri Oct 6, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Sat Oct 7, 9 am-4 pm; Mon Oct 9- Thu Oct 12, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Fri Oct 13, 8:30 am-6 pm; Sat Oct 14, 8 am-6 pm.
- 22 Metcalfe Street, Wallsend
Tue Oct 3- Fri Oct 6, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Sat Oct 7, 9 am-4 pm; Mon Oct 9 - Thu Oct 12, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Fri Oct 13, 8:30 am-6 pm.
