Top 10 tips on making your vote count
Join the conversation and listen to guest speakers as they share the top tips that everyone should know when it comes to voting at the next NSW state electionTOP TIP #1
Filling out ballot papers correctly
TOP TIP #2
Ask for a replacement paper if you make a mistake on the ballot paper
TOP TIP #3
Ask for help from polling officials if you don’t speak English and you need help on the day
TOP TIP #4
Check voting times and locations so that you can plan ahead
TOP TIP #5
Learn more about the candidates and their policies before you vote
TOP TIP #6
Be prepared and learn more about what to expect when you arrive at a polling place
TOP TIP #7
Learn more about the people outside the polling place and what they hand out to voters
TOP TIP #8
Find out about the options that are available for people with disabilities or have mobility issues
TOP TIP #9
Learn why turning up to vote in person is important
TOP TIP #10
What to do if you cannot attend to vote in person on Saturday 25 March 2023
Here are the top 10 tips everyone should know before casting their vote in Australian elections
Click on one of the buttons above or scroll down to read more on each tip
TOP TIP #1
Filling out ballot papers correctly
Make sure you are familiar on how to fill out the ballot papers. Use numbers not ticks….
Learn how to fill out your ballot papers here.
TOP TIP #2
If you make a mistake ask for another ballot paper
Mistakes can happen. The Electoral Officials (the staff) are there to assist you to make your vote count by providing you wth information. If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, ask a staff member on the day for a new copy of the ballot papers.
Remember, make your vote count by completing the ballot paper correctly.
TOP TIP #3
Don’t speak English and need help on the day?
Let the staff know you need help, or someone who is with you needs assistance with English.
There may be a polling official who speaks your language or they can organise an interpreter over the phone. Voting is for all Australian cItizens. If you need language assistance to help you understand how to fill out the ballot papers, then don’t be afraid to ask.
Link to Information on how to vote in different languages Click here >>
They will show you how to vote, but it is up to you who to vote for.
TOP TIP #4
Check voting times and locations and plan ahead
Voting times are 8am til 6pm and are usually located in local schools, church halls or public buildings.
Location of voting places may differ so check the NSW Electoral Commission website link below to find a location near you
Find a polling place near me. Click here >>
Plan your day so that you dont miss out
TOP TIP #5
Learn about the candidate and their policies before you vote
It is important to know not only how to vote but who to vote for.
No one should tell you who to vote for. This is your decision.
Learn more about the candidates and there policies by visting the NSW Electoral Commission website links below
Find out more information about you candidates. Click here >>
Make an informed decision by becoming aware of the candidates and their policies.
TOP TIP #6
Be prepared on what to expect when you arrive at polling place
When you arrive at a polling place they will ask you a few questions
‘What is your full name?’
This enables the polling official to look up your name on the certified list which is a copy of the electoral roll for that division. If your name is on the certified list, you will be asked the next question.
‘Where do you live?’
If the address given is the same as that shown on the certified list you will be asked the next question.
‘Have you voted before in THIS election?’
If you havent voted before then they will provide you with ballot papers and mark your name off the registry
Listen to podcast on what to expect when you arrive at a polling place on election day. Click here>>
TOP TIP #7
Who are the people outside polling places and what do they hand out?
Volunteers from political parties stand outside polling places distributing how-to-vote cards. These cards show voters how political parties or candidates would like you to vote. They may be taken into the polling place to assist in marking ballot papers.
Although how-to-vote cards may encourage voters to mark their preferences in a particular order, the final choice on how to complete the ballot paper is up to you.
TOP TIP #8
Finding it difficult to vote due to disability or access issues?
The NSW Electoral Commission provides assistance for people living with disability to ensure they are not disadvantaged from participating in the electoral system.
They provide Auslan services, easy read guides and locations for polling places which are accessible friendly.
Find a accessible polling place near you by selecting this link. Click here>>
They will show you how to vote, but it is up to you who to vote for.
TOP TIP #9
Why do you have to turn up to vote in person?
Currently Australian Citizens must turn up in person and prove ID in order to recieve a ballot paper. There are a number of security requirements to ensure safe, secure voting occurs at these important events.
Alternatives are available such as postal voting , telephone voting, etc.
Postal vote applications must be submitted to the NSW Electoral Commission by no later than 6pm Monday 20 March 2023. Postal vote Ballot papers must be completed and witnessed on or before election day.
To be counted, your completed ballot papers and postal vote certificate must be received by the NSW Electoral Commission no later than 6pm Thursday 6 April 2023.
If you miss out on a postal vote option then you must consider either attending an early polling place before Saturday or attend in person on Saturday 25 March 2023.
TOP TIP #10
Cant attend on Saturday? Organise to attend an early voting centre before election day
If you can’t get to a polling place on election day you can vote at an early voting centre in Australia.
Link to the NSW Electoral Commission In Person early voting webpage here >>
Make your vote count by planning before hand.