More than 18 million Australians enrolled to vote in federal election ahead of early voting

As Australians gear up for the federal election on May 3, over 18 million people are officially registered to cast their votes. With early voting beginning on April 22, it's anticipated that approximately half of these voters will opt for pre-polling across hundreds of locations turned into voting centers nationwide. This rising trend—reflected by research showing that almost half of all voters participated in early voting during the 2022 federal election—is indicative of a significant shift in voter behavior. Historically, in 2004, upwards of 80% of Australians waited until the actual polling day to vote. However, this number drastically decreased to nearly 50% in the last election, and regional differences were noted, with Queensland reporting a 56.6% early voting rate while Tasmania saw only 36.8%. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has supported early voting, particularly in light of COVID-19 concerns, leading to increased participation. Yet this popularity has drawn scrutiny from political parties who find the extended pre-poll period constraining on their campaign logistics. The Liberal Party has expressed that the pre-poll mode complicates their ability to staff polling booths, an opinion echoed by Labor and the Greens. In response, electoral reforms were made by the Morrison government in 2021 that limited pre-polling to a two-week window before election day. However, this year presents unique challenges as Easter Monday and Anzac Day fall within this period, reducing available early polling days further. While early voting facilitates participation, it also poses risks for voters. The AEC warns that voters should carefully consider their choices since once their ballot is cast, it cannot be amended even if candidates or circumstances change in the aftermath. Additionally, the communal experience of voting day—often filled with barbecues and local fundraisers—is at risk of diminishing as voters indulge in the convenience of early ballots. In recent election news, Minister for Women Katy Gallagher unveiled key commitments from Labor aimed at addressing domestic violence, which will initiate policies targeting financial abuse and innovative monitoring for high-risk offenders. This announcement marks the first major initiative tackling this critical issue during the campaign. Meanwhile, the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, participated in mass commemorating Pope Francis, highlighting the intertwining of politics and societal events as campaigns adjust to current narratives. Notably, recent polling indicates a lack of inspiration among voters towards current political leaders, with many feeling disconnected from major parties, as verified by polling experts. As we approach the final stretch of the election campaign, it remains crucial for both major parties to sharpen their messaging to engage the electorate effectively, lest they risk losing voter interest amid a historically shifting election landscape.