How to vote early and where to vote before election day on May 3

Federal election day on May 3 is creeping closer but many Australian voters have the option to head to the polls early, either via postal vote or at an early voting centre.

Early voting officially started on Tuesday, April 22 and runs until election day next weekend.

However, early voting centres will be closed tomorrow on Anzac Day and on Sunday, April 27.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has reminded voters to check opening times today ahead of the long weekend.

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"Most locations are open on Saturday 26 April but not all," the AEC said in a statement.

"Early voting centres open progressively throughout the voting period and cannot open on public holidays."

Thousands of early voting centres are now open, so here's how and where to cast your vote so you don't miss out.

Search for your nearest early voting centre in our interactive below:

How to vote early

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website has a handy guide for those who want to vote before election day.

You are eligible to vote early if you tick any of the following boxes:

• You will be travelling
• Are outside the electorate you are enrolled to vote
• Are located more than 8km from a polling centre
• Are working and can't leave to vote
• Are seriously ill or in hospital
• Are about to give birth
• Have religious reasons you cant vote on May 3
• Are in prison
• Are afraid for your safety
• Are a silent elector (meaning your address can't be included on the electoral role)

On the AEC website, you need to put in your postcode and it will bring up a list of early voting centres near your electorate.

For example, the postcode 2000 in Sydney brings up 12 early voting locations within a short distance.

Most voting centres are open between 8.30am and 5.30pm and operate like normal voting booths.

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What if I need a postal vote?

Postal voters need to apply before 6pm on April 30. You can do that via this link.

If you are voting this way, you can fill out the pack and send it on as soon as you recieve it in the mail.

Postal voters are also allowed to vote on May 3.

Telephone voting

Australian voters who are blind or have low vision can vote early using the AEC's telephone voting service.

This will be in operation from April 22.

You need to fulfil strict eligibility criteria to access this service.

Fun fact: Australians stationed in Antarctica vote this way.

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