Early voting opens for federal election

People keen to avoid crowds on polling day can now cast their votes early for the upcoming federal election.

More than 500 early voting centres will open across the country on Monday, ahead of the poll on May 18.

With a record enrolment rate of 96.8 per cent, more than 16 million Australians are set to take part in the national vote.

"We have the most complete electoral roll since federation and we're providing a broad range of voting services," Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said.

"But it is up to enrolled Australians to turn out to make sure they have their say."

Almost 52 million ballot papers are being printed, with postal votes also distributed to those who have applied.