Fact sheet - Enrolment

Updated 6 Dec 2019
What does enrolment in the ACT mean?

You must enrol to vote if you are 18 or over and an Australian citizen. Your name and address appears on the electoral roll once you have enrolled. You can vote in elections and referendums for the ACT Legislative Assembly and for the federal parliament.

Why is it compulsory to enrol?

In Australia, the law says that if you are entitled to be enrolled, then you must enrol. One of the most important ways to contribute is through voting and you cannot vote unless you are enrolled. This is because we believe that with the right to enrol and vote, comes the responsibility to contribute to the way the ACT and the country is governed.

How many people are enrolled in the ACT?

There were 283,162 people enrolled in the ACT at the close of rolls for the 2016 election. Enrolled voters for each electorate were: Brindabella 53,614; Ginninderra 54,585; Kurrajong 59,010; Murrumbidgee 57,058; and Yerrabi 58,895.

How do people enrol?

You can enrol online or update your name or address at the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website www.aec.gov.au/enrol/. Enrolment forms can also be obtained from any post office or electoral commission. You can complete an enrolment form from 16 years of age but you cannot vote until you turn 18.

In some circumstances, the AEC may directly place your name on the elctoral roll or update your address on the roll, using information supplied by government agencies, without the need for you to complete a form. If this occurs, the AEC will contact you.

Can I see the electoral roll?

You can check your enrolment at www.aec.gov.au.

You can also view the roll at any electoral office. Only names and addresses can be seen, other information kept on the roll is private. You can request that your personal address is not kept on the public roll if you believe that this would place you or your family at risk.