Australians head to the polls this weekend

MORE than 7,000 polling places will open across the nation tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) as Australians cast their votes in the federal election.

Polling places will open at 8am and close at 6pm sharp.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) says 97 per cent of eligible voters are on the electoral roll, with more than 100,000 temporary workers helping deliver the election and more than 500 early voting centres already operating.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said voters could be confident the AEC was running a fair and secure election.

“You can be confident that we’re delivering the election with integrity securing your vote at every step of the process – from the printing to the counting of your ballot paper.”

Local schools and community groups are also standing by to serve up democracy sausages and other delicacies on election day.

More than 1,200 polling place fundraisers have already been added to the democracysausage.org map.

Self-described “Electoral Sausage Integrity Commissioner” Helen Ensikat said preparations were heating up.

“In spite of high pre-polling, we’re still seeing tremendous numbers of sausage sizzles and cake stalls planned across the country.

“Remember that even if you’ve already voted, there’s nothing to stop you dropping by your local school or community hall on the weekend to support their fundraiser.

“You can only vote once but you can buy as many democracy sausages as you want!”

Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over.

You can vote at any polling place in your state or territory on election day, with most located at schools, churches, community halls and other public buildings.

To find your nearest polling place, head to aec.gov.au/where

If you are interstate on election day, you can vote at a designated interstate voting centre or vote early before you go.

If you have mobility issues or care for someone who does, accessibility details for polling places are available at aec.gov.au/where

Voters who are blind or have low vision can also get support – head to aec.gov.au/assistance or phone 13 23 26 for more.

You can check which electorate you are enrolled in at aec.gov.au/electorate, as boundaries may have changed since the last election.