Early voting for Australia’s 2025 federal election begins Tuesday, giving millions of citizens the chance to shape the nation’s future over the next three years.
On May 3, polling booths will officially close at 6pm, marking the start of the ballot counting process. This election could affect key issues such as the cost of living, climate change, healthcare, education, foreign policy, and national defense.
But for many Australians, the process of preferential voting can seem confusing. Understanding how to fill out your ballot correctly ensures that your vote counts — every step of the way.
What Is Preferential Voting?
Australia uses a preferential voting system for federal elections. This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one.
In the 2025 election, Australians will vote for:
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150 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Representatives (lower house).
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40 out of 76 Senators in the Senate (upper house).
Voters will receive two ballot papers:
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A small green paper for the House of Representatives.
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A large white paper for the Senate.
How to Fill Out the House of Representatives Ballot
For the House of Representatives, voters must rank every candidate on the green ballot paper. That means you start by placing a 1 beside your top choice, then continue with 2, 3, 4, and so on, until all candidates are ranked.
To win a seat, a candidate must receive an absolute majority — more than 50% of the votes.
Because voters rank all candidates, if your top choice doesn’t get enough support, your vote can still count toward your next preferred candidate. This is why it’s called preferential voting — your full vote continues to play a part as preferences are distributed.
The Senate Ballot: Above or Below the Line
The Senate vote works differently. You have two options:
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Vote above the line: Number at least six political parties in order of preference.
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Vote below the line: Number at least 12 individual candidates.
Either method is valid, but make sure you follow the instructions exactly. If not, your vote might be considered invalid.
According to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), votes that don’t meet the minimum requirement — for instance, not numbering enough boxes — may not be counted at all.
What Happens After You Vote?
Once polls close at 6pm on election day, AEC officers begin sorting all the ballot papers.
Step 1: Count the “1” Votes
All green ballot papers are sorted based on the number of first preference votes (number “1”) each candidate receives.
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If a candidate gets more than 50% of these votes, they win the seat immediately.
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If no one reaches a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated.
Step 2: Distribute Preferences
When a candidate is eliminated, their votes are transferred to the next preferred candidate listed on each ballot.
Pat Callanan, an AEC spokesperson, explains:“If your first candidate is knocked out, your vote moves to your second, third, fourth preference — until two candidates are left. Your vote will still help decide the winner.”
This process is called “distribution of preferences” and ensures that your vote continues to count throughout the process, even if your top choice isn’t successful.
Why the Senate Is More Complex
The Senate ballot involves a mix of manual and computer checks. A mathematical formula is used to calculate a quota that a candidate must reach to be elected.
Because of its complexity, it’s even more important to follow the instructions on the Senate ballot carefully.
Professor Ian McAllister from the Australian National University, co-author of the 2022 Australian Election Study, said that failing to number enough boxes can cause your vote to exhaust — meaning it will not be counted once your preferred candidates are eliminated.
What Is a Vote Exhaustion?
Vote exhaustion happens when all the candidates you’ve ranked are eliminated, and no further preferences are listed. Your ballot is then set aside and doesn’t contribute to the final result.
The AEC points out that this is still a valid way to vote. Some voters may prefer to have their ballot exhaust rather than support a party or candidate they don’t agree with.
Quick Tips to Ensure Your Vote Counts
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House of Representatives: Number every box on the green paper.
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Senate: Either number at least six parties above the line, or 12 candidates below the line.
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Follow instructions carefully to avoid an informal (invalid) vote.
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Remember: Your preferences matter — even if your top choice doesn’t win.
Voting is not just a civic duty — it’s a powerful way to shape Australia’s future. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, healthcare, or the economy, your vote has a role to play.
Preferential voting gives every Australian more control and influence over the outcome, even if your top choice isn’t elected. By understanding the system and following the instructions, you can make sure your voice is heard.
