Early voting in Victoria opens next week — here's what should know

Victorian election early voting starts November 18. Here's what you need to know On November 28, millions of Victorians will head to the polls for the 2026 state election. But anyone can visit an early voting booth if they want to cast their ballot before election day — and a record number of Victorians are expected to do so this time. Victoria's Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel urged all eligible Victorians to make sure they participated at the state election and had their say. "Voting is our democratic right and while it is compulsory in state elections for those living in Victoria who are Australian citizens aged 18 years and over, voting is also a privilege that allows each of us to have a real say in our future," he said. '"Every vote counts, so make sure you're enrolled, understand your voting options and plan ahead to cast your vote by 6pm on election day." Here's what you need to know. Where can I vote early? All voters can attend an early voting centre before election day. Early voting opens from Wednesday November 18 and will run through to Friday November 27. Except for Sunday November 22, early voting centres are open 9am to 6pm every day. The locations of more than 200 early voting centres are available on the VEC website, which also provides information on site accessibility. What electorate am I in? Victoria is currently divided into 88 electoral districts for the lower house (the Legislative Assembly) and eight constituencies in the upper house, (the Legislative Council). Voters in the Legislative Assembly are represented by one MP per constituency but are represented by five MPs for each region in the Legislative Council. Voters can find their electorate by entering their address on the Victorian electoral map. When do postal vote applications close? Anyone can apply to vote by post in the 2026 state election. Postal vote applications close at 6pm on Wednesday 25 November. The VEC starts posting ballot packs after nominations have closed and once the commission has confirmed all the candidates. For more information, including dates, visit the VEC's website. Can I vote online? No. Australia's electoral laws do not allow for online voting. What if I need assistance? People who are blind, have low vision or have a physical disability and need help to vote can register for telephone-assisted voting or braille voting. You can bring a trusted person — such as a friend, family member or carer — to help you fill in your ballot paper the way you want it filled in. More accessibility information is available on the VEC's website. Will I get a fine if I don't vote? Records are checked after an election and if it appears someone hasn't voted, they may receive an apparent failure to vote notice. Unless they can provide a valid reason why they didn't vote, they will likely be given an infringement notice. The penalty for failing to vote in the state election is now $105. Loading... [Image text:] Voting Early Centre Every vote wil shape Victoria. Electoral Commission JE