changes to laws & electoral roll

[rachelw]

Hi -

for those who don't know, there's been some changes in legislation related to electoral enrollment.

Where we used to have a pretty reasonable while after an election was called to register to vote, now you will need to make any changes to your electoral info within 3 days.

If you have never voted before, you need to register on the same day that the election is called.

Also, proof of identity has become more rigorous for new and existing voters - check this out online for details.

You might want to visit the gov's website for information related to this.

www.aec.gov.au

[JWRL]

As an ex part-time electoral official I must back Rachel up here.

There may be a lot of people disenfranchised at the next election because of this change. When you add to that the fact that you can also unknowingly be dropped off the rolls by the AEC, even if you believe that you are currently enrolled you should check your status at the AEC website.

You can lose your enrollment status for a range of reasons. For example the AEC may have done a doorknock through your area while you were out. The advice note that they put in your letterbox blew away, so you didn't respond to it, and you got deleted. The first time you'll find out is when you rock up to the polling place.

So go to http://www.aec.gov.au/ and check your status. You may avoid a shock on election day.