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Australians are set to head to the polls to elect the nation’s 48th parliament.

If you’re casting a vote for the first time or need a quick update, here’s what you need to be prepared for election day.

When and where do I vote?

Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over who are enrolled.

Polling booths will be open from 8am to 6pm. You must vote at a booth within your state or territory, but you don’t need to go to the one listed on your enrolment; any nearby polling place will do.
These are typically set up in public spaces, such as schools, community centres, or church halls. To find the one nearest to you, visit the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC)

What electorate am I in?

Your federal electorate is determined by where you live, and it can change with new boundaries or if you’ve moved recently.
If you’re unsure which seat you belong to, the AEC offers a handy tool called Just plug in your address, and you’re all set.

You can also use SBS’s interactive map to check whether you live in a marginal electorate by clicking on the link below.

What happens on election day?

On election day, you’ll receive two ballot papers. The smaller green one is for the House of Representatives. You’ll be asked to number every box on this paper .
The larger white paper is for the Senate. You can either number at least six boxes , or number at least 12 boxes below the line for individual Senate candidates.

To establish a majority government, a party — or a coalition like the ongoing partnership between the Liberal and National parties — must secure more than half of the seats (76) in the lower house.
If no entity secures 76 seats, .
Under such circumstances, one of the major parties can form a minority government if it garners sufficient backing from crossbench MPs, independents, and smaller parties, such as the Greens.
A minority government implies that independents and minor parties wield significant influence, as the governing party requires their consent to enact laws.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton have both dismissed the idea of entering policy agreements with minor parties or independents to establish a government in the event of a stalemate (unlike the Gillard government). They plan to negotiate separately on individual legislation.

What are the major parties promising?

Here’s a snapshot of what the major parties are promising Australians this federal election.
Labor is pledging an $8.5 billion boost to Medicare, including 50 new urgent care clinics by 2026, capping the cost of most prescriptions at $25, and investing $573 million in women’s health.
They’ve also committed $1 billion to expand mental health services by funding 100 new or upgraded clinics.
On housing, Labor will expand its 5 per cent deposit scheme so that every first home buyer is eligible. It will also build 100,000 new affordable homes exclusively for first home buyers, with construction to start in 2026/27.

Their climate policy includes achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, increasing renewable energy investment, and upgrading the electricity grid.

The Coalition will match Labor’s Medicare spend and has proposed stronger GP incentives and a return to 20 subsidised psychology sessions.
Their small business plan features a permanent $30,000 asset write-off and early tax breaks on earnings.
On housing, a Dutton-led government would allow Australians to access $50,000 of their superannuation to buy a first home, and to claim tax deductions on interest payments against the first $650,000 of their mortgage.
It has also pledged $5 billion for building infrastructure, such as sewage and water systems, to support the construction of 500,000 new homes.
Climate-wise, they favour a mixed energy model that includes gas and new technology.

They’ve also promised tighter migration controls.
Winners and Losers: Party Time Ep 5 image
The Greens are calling for the expansion of Medicare to include dental and mental health services, something neither major party is offering.

Regarding housing, they endorse a national strategy to construct more public and affordable housing. They also advocate for robust climate policies, aiming to halt coal and gas projects and fully transition to renewable energy sources.

When will we know the results?

Counting will start as soon as the booths close at 6pm.
In some cases, results for House of Representatives seats could be clear within a few hours, however if the race is tight, it could take days to determine a winner.

Senate counting takes longer, often weeks, due to the complexity of the voting system.

What if you’re still undecided?

If you’re still not sure who to vote for, you’re not alone.
Many Australians make up their minds in the final hours before heading to the polls.
breaking down what Labor, the Coalition and Greens have promised on key issues.
For the latest from SBS News, and .
Visit the to access articles, podcasts and videos from SBS News, NITV and our teams covering more than 60 languages.
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