Your Referendum Questions Answered
What is the Voice?
The Voice is an advisory committee of Indigenous people from all around our country that can give advice to politicians in Canberra to improve the lives of Indigenous people. Parliament and Government can choose to listen to that advice, or not - and ultimately make the final decision. You can read more on the Voice here.
What is the campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament?
The campaign is about recognising Indigenous people in the Australian Constitution, listening to their advice on matters that affect their lives, and ultimately achieving better results in areas such as Indigenous health, education and employment.
What is the Voice referendum question?
When going to vote, you will be asked to write YES or NO to the question of altering the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
What is the proposed Voice change to the constitution
The proposed amendment to the constitution is straightforward and simple. It will mean we recognise Indigenous Australians, listen to their voices about matters affecting their communities, and make a practical difference. You can read the exact wording of the change here.
What is the vote Yes Campaign?
The Yes campaign is about recognising Indigenous people in the Australian Constitution, listening to their advice on matters that affect their lives, and ultimately achieving better results in areas such as Indigenous health, education and employment.
How to campaign for yes
There are many ways to support the campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. You can place a sign in your yard, volunteer with a local group or share information with your friends. Find out more at: yes23.com.au/action
When is the Voice Referendum
The referendum is to be held on October 14 2023. Australians will be asked to write Yes or No to the question of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice.
Where is voting in the referendum?
You can find your nearest voting location on this website: voicereferendum.com.au
What time is the referendum voting open?
Voting is to be open from 8am to 6pm on referendum day.
What is the yes vote 2023?
A Yes vote in the 2023 referendum means that you are supportive of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution. If the Yes vote passes, the government will develop an advisory committee of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who will provide advice to government on the specific issues that affect their communities. A Yes vote means that you are accepting a request that came directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
What is the referendum?
Australians are being asked to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice. This is a straightforward and practical change that will ensure Indigenous Australians are listened to when the Government develops policies designed for their communities. Voting Yes at the referendum will ensure we can take this critical step towards a better future for us all.
What is the Voice Referendum Pamphlet
The Voice Referendum pamphlet contains information about the referendum and the official Yes and no cases. You can find the case for voting yes here.
Is there early voting in the referendum?
Yes, there will be weeks of pre-poll voting for people unable to vote on referendum day. Locations will be announced soon. For more information, sign up to receive updates on the Yes23.com.au website.
What if I am away on referendum day?
If you are away on referendum day you can either vote early at a pre poll voting centre or request a postal vote. For more information, sign up to receive updates on the Yes23.com.au website.
What if I am interstate on referendum day?
If on polling day you are outside the state or territory where you are enrolled, you will need to vote at an interstate voting centre. For more information, sign up to receive updates on the Yes23.com.au website.
What if I am overseas on referendum day?
If you’re overseas during the federal election or referendum period, you may be able to vote at an overseas voting centre or by post. Find out more here: www.aec.gov.au/overseas
Can I vote online for the referendum?
No. You must vote in person or via postal vote.
Can I postal vote in the referendum?
You are eligible to apply for a postal vote if you are unable to get to a polling place on polling day. Voters living with a disability may also be eligible to cast their vote by post.
How do I vote correctly in the referendum?
Voting in the referendum will require you to write either “Yes” or “No” in the box on your ballot paper. You do not need to tick or number any boxes. Find Yes How to Vote Information here: yes23.com.au/htv
What is the process for voting in the referendum?
When you arrive at the polling place an AEC official will ask for your name and address. They will mark your name off the electoral roll and provide you with a ballot paper and instructions on how to vote. When you have completed your ballot, place it in the box provided.
Is voting in the voice referendum compulsory?
Yes, just like any Australian election, voting is compulsory and failing to vote may result in a fine.
Do I need an ID to vote in the referendum?
No. There are no ID requirements to vote in Australia. Simply tell the AEC official your name and address.
I’m not sure if I’m enrolled for the referendum
You can check your enrollment at: check.aec.gov.au
When will we know the referendum results
Like most Australian elections, the results should become clear later that evening on referendum day. The results will be available on the AEC website and on major news sites like the ABC.
What is a referendum
A referendum is a national vote to change the Constitution. In 2023, Australians are being asked to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice. Like an election, it is compulsory to vote for all Australians over 18.
How does a referendum succeed in Australia?
In order to succeed, the referendum must achieve both;
-
A majority (over 50%) of all Australians nationwide; AND
-
A majority Yes by a majority of Australian states. That is, a Yes majority in at least 4 of the 6 Australian states.
Where do I find more information on yes and no?
The yes23.com.au website has detailed information on the Yes case. The Voice.gov.au website has information on the voice proposal. The AEC has also published the official yes and no cases on their website.
Will there be two questions on the voice ballot paper?
There is one question that asks Australians if they support altering the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.