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Chapter 4 - Elections for the Senate

Voting

Voting is compulsory for all electors with the exception of those living or travelling abroad, itinerant electors and electors located in the Antarctic. Some prisoners are excluded from voting. The penalty for failing to vote without a valid and sufficient reason is $20 or, if the matter is dealt with in court, a fine not exceeding $50. (See supplement)

Electors may vote at any polling place in the House of Representatives electorate for which they are enrolled, or at any polling place in the same state or territory (absent voting). Under prescribed circumstances electors may vote by post or cast a pre-poll vote.

Special arrangements are also made for ballots to be cast by eligible voters in hospitals, prisons and remote locations including Antarctica, and those travelling or residing abroad.

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