Postal voting has been popular this year, with roughly 15 per cent of voters opting to mail in their ballot papers — up from about 10 per cent last year.
If you've been meaning to apply for a postal vote but haven't got around it yet, now's the time to consider your options.
Can I still apply for a postal vote?
No.
The deadline for postal votes ended at 6pm May 21.
What should I do if I don't get my postal vote paper by election day?
"If someone receives their postal vote after election day they cannot complete it," an AEC spokesperson said.
"They should simply dispose of it and can provide a valid reason for not voting to the AEC when they receive an apparent non-voter notice after the election."
However, if you can make it to a voting centre, you can still go in and cast your vote there.
If you vote in person, do not send in your postal vote.
Can I track my postal vote papers?
Yes, but only up to a certain point.
Make sure you provide your email address or mobile number when you fill out your postal vote application.
The AEC spokesperson said this "ensures the voter receives updates on the status of the application, so long as they did not opt out of notifications".
"However, the AEC is unable to provide tracking details once the postal vote has been handed to Australia Post."
When do postal votes need to be in by?
The AEC will only count votes received within 13 days of the election.
This year, that's Friday, June 3.
But that doesn't mean waiting until June 3 to send your vote back — you should send it as soon as you can after you've filled out your information.
Will I get fined if my postal vote is late?
No.
"People who apply for a postal vote will not be fined if they do not receive their ballot papers before election day, or if their returned postal votes are received by the AEC after 3 June," the AEC spokesperson said.
Will I get fined if accidentally I fill out my papers incorrectly?
No.
"There is no penalty for people who do not fill in their ballot papers or declaration slip appropriately," the spokesperson said.
What if I test positive for COVID after the postal vote cut-off date?
The AEC has introduced an emergency telephone voting system for voters who have to isolate because of COVID-19.
To do this, you'll need to register on the AEC website.
You'll also need to provide evidence of your positive COVID test result and make a declaration.
Phone voting is a service that is usually only available to people who are visually impaired or working in Antarctica, with the AEC stressing that it's only being extended to COVID-positive people.
