Let your voice be heard
Exercise your right to vote and let your opinion be recognised by the government
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What is this referendum about?
On Saturday, October 14th, Australians will be able to have their say in a referendum to address whether the Constitution should recognise the First People of Australia by establishing a body within the government called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. People will be asked if they approve this change by writing "yes" or "no".
What would the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice do?
The Voice will give independent advice to the Parliament and Government.
The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities.
The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures.
HOW CAN I VOTE in PORTUGAL?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
All Australian citizens over 18 years old are eligible to vote in the referendum. Every vote counts and it’s important to have your say. Voting in a referendum is compulsory for citizens living in Australia and strongly encouraged for citizens living overseas.
WHERE CAN I VOTE IN PORTUGAL?
In-person voting will be available at the Australian Embassy in Lisbon for two weeks leading up to referendum.
Where: Avenida da Liberdade, 200 2º in Lisbon
Dates: 2-13 October 2023 (except 5 October due to the Portuguese public holiday)
When: Weekdays from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
All you need is your Australian passport or driver's licence as proof of your identity.
If you prefer to vote by post and are registered as an overseas voter, you can apply for postal vote here.
HOW CAN I ENROL TO VOTE?
You can do this through the official website of the Australian Electoral Commission. If you’re not sure if you’re still enrolled to vote, you can check your enrolment status to make sure your voice is heard during this referendum.
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Let your voice be heard
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FAQs
Here are some of the answers to your burning questions.
Six years ago, Indigenous leaders from Australia's Indigenous communities gathered to draft a declaration, the Uluru Statement, that invited all Australians to contribute to ensuring a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The committee's mission is to provide the government with information that will enable them to effectively improve conditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in areas such as employment, education, housing and health.
To vote, write either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ - in full - in the box provided on the ballot paper. See the AECs website for more details.
No you cannot; you can only vote in person via ballot or by postal service.
Postal voting is available for Australian citizens who are not able to vote in person. You can apply for a postal vote by using the online form. Fill out your ballot paper and return it to the AEC by 27 October 2023 to ensure your vote counts.
All you need is your Australian passport or Australian driver's licence.
If you are unable to vote in the referendum, you should inform the AEC using the overseas notification form. If you don’t, the AEC will contact you seeking an explanation for why you didn’t vote.
No, pencils are provided at the voting centres.
No problem! All polling venues have trained staff who are available to assist you.
If you are enrolled to vote but are in Portugal for a short time, you can vote in-person at the Australian Embassy in Lisbon on the designated days.
If you have been living in Portugal for a while but still want to vote in the referendum, you can check your enrolment status on the AEC website.
Voting when you’re overseas can be challenging. If you are unable to vote in the referendum, you should inform the AEC. Otherwise, they will contact you and ask you to explain why you didn’t vote. Australians living in Portugal indefinitely can also request that your name be removed from the electoral roll using the overseas notification form. This means that you will not be able to vote while overseas but may re-enrol if you return to live in Australia.