Australian Election 2022 - Information for Australian Expats in Thailand

[Smithydog]

The Australian Embassy has posted polling information for the recently announced Federal election in Australia. Expats are requested to vote by postal vote. Information from their site is as below.

 

Australian Federal Election 2022

The next federal election will be held on 21 May 2022.  If you are still in Australia, you can pre-poll vote from 9 May 2022.

"The AEC recommends overseas voters cast a postal vote in this election. If you plan to be overseas at the time of the election, make sure you check your enrolment and request a postal vote as soon as possible on the AEC website.

Australians in Thailand are encouraged to vote via postal vote, which can either be posted to the AEC directly, or mailed or dropped off to the Embassy. To send in your postal vote, please send to:

Consular Services Section – Federal Election 2022

Australian Embassy Bangkok

181 Wireless Road

Lumphini, Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330

To drop off your postal vote, please drop it at the Embassy during the following hours:

Monday – Friday 09:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:00, excluding Embassy public holidays

Important:

• Photo ID is required to enter the Embassy
• All visitors are subject to security screening
• Parking is not available for visitors in the grounds

Postal votes must be returned as quickly as possible to ensure they are received by the AEC in time to be counted.

FAQs

What is the time frame for registering to vote?

Enrolment closes at 8pm on 18 April 2022, one week after the election is called.

How early before the election are postal votes be sent out?

The Australian Electoral Commission will start sending postal votes immediately after the declaration of nominations. Postal votes are expected to be sent from 26 April 2022.

When do requests for postal votes close?

Requests for postal votes will close on 18 May 2022. The Australian Electoral Commission recommends you apply for a postal vote as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time for it to be posted to you and returned to the Australian Electoral Commission by 3 June 2022."

https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Other_Services_for_Australians.html#Elections and Voting while Overseas

A similar notice is available on the Phuket Consul-General's website and postal votes can be returned there.

https://phuket.consulate.gov.au/pket/servicesforaustralians.html#Elections and Voting while Overseas

Australian Expats are reminded that whilst voting is compulsory in Australia, being overseas can be claimed as an exemption. You should follow the instructions at the AEC website as follows:

https://www.aec.gov.au/overseas/voting.htm

 

 

[Smithydog]

This topic is for information only and not designed for comment.