Australians living or travelling overseas won’t miss out on casting their vote for the 2025 Federal Election, with both in-person and postal options now confirmed for citizens abroad. The election has been officially set for Saturday, 3 May 2025, and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has rolled out detailed instructions for overseas voters to ensure their voices are heard.
For those currently in India, the Australian High Commission in New Delhi will be open for in-person voting starting from Tuesday, 23 April 2025. The schedule runs until election day itself, with designated times laid out clearly, though there are closures during weekends and on Easter Monday. The polling centre is located at 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
From 23 to 25 April, and again from 28 April to 2 May, voters can access the polling station between 9 am and 12 pm and again from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. On the final day, Saturday 3 May, hours will be extended from 9 am to 3:30 pm Indian Standard Time, which aligns with 6 pm Western Australian time.
Entry to the High Commission will be strictly through Gate #1, and voters are advised to follow all directions from security personnel. Identification is mandatory—either a valid passport or driver’s licence will be accepted. For security reasons, electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops will not be permitted inside the premises.
Beyond the capital, Australians can also vote in-person at other diplomatic missions in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Each consulate will set its own opening hours, and voters are urged to check the respective websites for up-to-date details before making plans.
For those who cannot attend in-person, postal voting remains a viable option, though timing is key. Applications for overseas postal voting are open on the AEC website, and ballots will begin dispatching via international courier from Australia three weeks before the 3 May polling day. The deadline to request a postal vote is 6 pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025—but the AEC warns that waiting until then might be too late. Delays in international shipping mean those applying close to the deadline may risk missing out.
Applicants who include an email address or mobile number during the process will receive automatic updates when their postal vote has been dispatched. For those who don’t receive their package within 10 days of applying, the AEC recommends contacting them directly at +61 2 6160 2600.
Completed postal ballots can be returned in person to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi by 4 pm on Friday, 2 May 2025. Alternatively, voters can send their forms back to the AEC in Australia. The cost of return postage or courier is not covered by the government and must be paid by the voter.
Regardless of the method used, all postal votes must be filled out before 6 pm AWST on election day and must reach the AEC in Australia by 6 pm AEST on Friday, 16 May 2025. Votes received after this date will not be counted, even if they were cast on time.
Only enrolled voters are eligible to participate. Australians who have recently moved or changed their details are encouraged to check or update their enrolment status via the AEC website. For those who will not be voting, the AEC requires that they notify their absence using an Overseas Notification Form, also available online.
With voting day fast approaching, the AEC is reminding overseas Australians to take action early—whether by booking a visit to their nearest consulate or applying for a postal vote. It’s a logistical challenge for some, especially in remote areas, but one that many consider worth the effort to stay engaged with home affairs.
More information about enrolment, voting methods, and key dates can be found at: www.aec.gov.au Or through the websites of individual Australian consulates and the High Commission in India.
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🌏 Australians in India can vote in-person at High Commission (23 Apr-3 May) or via post. 🗳️ Bring ID, no electronics. ✉️ Postal votes must reach AEC by 16 May. Check enrolment now! #TheIndianSun @AusElectoralComhttps://t.co/fqAafpIDam
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) April 10, 2025
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