ALBA ABELANET, ANDRÉS BARRENECHEA & EMMA SAMPSON, 01/05/2025
With the 2025 Australian federal election campaign fast approaching, Australians living overseas are casting their ballots to ensure compliance with voting regulations and avoid potential fines.
For citizens unavailable to vote in person, the option to apply for a postal vote is available. However, these postal votes must be submitted by election day on the 3rd of May and received by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) within 13 days after the election to be valid.
To facilitate participation, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has set up 111 voting centres in 83 countries, primarily within Australian embassies, consulates, and high commissions. Despite this global reach, only two postal voting locations have been established in the Nordic countries, located at the Australian Embassy’s in Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Photo of the Voting Centre at the Australian Embassy, Copenhagen | Photo By: Emma Sampson
Australian Ambassador for Denmark Kerin Ayyalaraju said, “As there is no Australian embassy in Oslo or Reykjavik, we are unable to offer in-person voting services in those locations.”
Copenhagen’s Voting Centre Welcomes 80 daily Voters
In Copenhagen, the Australian Embassy is currently receiving around 80 voters per day, with the Australian Ambassador estimating that approximately 1,000 voters will cast their ballots at the embassy by the end of the voting period.
This limited access has prompted Australians visiting and travelling in the Nordic region to travel significant distances to ensure their vote is counted. Australian resident Paul Kiley has been touring Europe on holiday for four weeks.
He noted, “of the five countries we visited, only two offered voting facilities.” Prompting him to adjust his travel plans to be in Copenhagen during the voting period.
Given that Paul was only staying in each location for a few days during his trip, receiving a postal vote was not a viable option. However, his curiosity in seeing the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen and the experience of voting from abroad made the effort worthwhile.
“It was a good opportunity, and I wanted to do it for the experience” Paul said.
Australian Citizens Venture to Denmark to Vote
Similarly undertaking a holiday in Europe is Australian resident Cynthia Quint, who happened to be in Copenhagen during the electoral period.
“I was lucky that my dates in Copenhagen were during the voting period, but it was on the back of my mind. We have to vote every year, it’s not just a responsibility, it’s an obligation. “Cynthia said.
Motivated by a desire to see the Australian Embassy firsthand, Cynthia expressed she wanted to see how her taxpayer’s dollars were being spent. After casting her vote, she expressed her appreciation for the efficiency and accessibility of the overseas voting process.
“It was incredibly easy and very organised. I’d almost say it was probably a little bit easier than home,” Cynthia said.
Vote or Receive a Fine
Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over, regardless of whether they are in the country or abroad. Failure to vote without a valid and sufficient reason may incur a $20 fine, which can increase if not paid.
In contrast, while all Danish citizens aged 18 and over who reside in Denmark are eligible to vote in national elections, participation is voluntary, with no penalties for non-participation.
“I absolutely love that we have to vote in Australia. In countries like the U.S. where it’s optional, people often become complacent and disengaged… When there are consequences for not voting, it encourages awareness and helps people understand how politics affects their lives.” Cynthia said.
As Australians abroad continue to navigate time zones, travel schedules and limited voting locations, their efforts reflect a shared commitment to civic duty, proving that even far from home, every vote still counts.
This story is for an audience in Australia and could be published on the ABC.com.au