May 3: Australia Votes
By: Joni Boyd
Australians will head to the poll booths on May 3, 2025.
And with less than a month until Election Day, political parties are well into a fierce battle over key issues such as cost of living, healthcare and climate action.
The announcement
At a press conference in Sydney, Albanese highlighted the significance of this upcoming election, urging Australians to think about their future.
“This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to keep building or Peter Dutton’s promise to cut,” he said. “That is the choice, that is your choice. Only Labor is acting on the cost of living. Only a vote for Labor will keep your wages growing.”
The response
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s opening response speech outlined his plans.
“Under Labor, Australia’s had the biggest fall in living standards in the developed world,” he said. “Labor’s economic policies and waste and spending have increased the cost of living for everyday Australians.
“Australians are now paying on average 18 per cent more for rent, 30 per cent more for groceries and over 30 per cent more for power and gas.”
How to vote
As is customary, voting in the Australian Federal Election is compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over. Australians will need to visit their designated polling place between 8am and 6pm on May 3, 2025. Voters will be required to cast their votes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
For those who are unable to vote in person on Election Day, alternative options are available. Early voting will be available from April 22, 2025, and voters can also request a postal vote if they are unable to attend a polling place on the day. More information at aec.gov.au/voting.
Additionally, Australians living abroad can participate by voting at Australian embassies and consulates through overseas voting. More information at aec.gov.au/overseas.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has urged all eligible voters to ensure they are enrolled ahead of the election and to familiarise themselves with the voting process to ensure their vote is counted. Visit aec.gov.au to enrol, or to check and update your enrolment.
If you require additional support when you vote, visit aec.gov.au/assistance.
“Vote based on your Christian values” says ACL
Faith leaders say it’s important that Australian Christians take time to pray in the leadup to any election, and to think about their vote through the lens of their faith.
“Our nation so desperately needs [Christian values] right now,” said Australian Christian Lobby CEO Michelle Pearse. “The best thing you can do is be informed, and especially coming up to election time, you’ve got to make sure you vote based on your Christian values.”
Visit aec.gov.au for more.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.
