How voting works
Australia has three levels of government:
the Commonwealth (also known as the federal government)
state or territory governments
local council areas, shires and municipalities, based in communities across Australia.
Each level of government has a law-making body - a parliament or council - which is made up of representatives elected by eligible voters from the area they represent. As a voter, you will belong to a federal division, a State electoral district and a local government ward or council area based on which electoral boundaries you live within.
To find out your State electoral district and local government ward or council area, use the check your enrolment tool.
If you are eligible to vote in New South Wales, you must vote in all elections and referendums held in your federal division, State electoral district and local council ward or area.
Voting processes differ between these levels of government and so do election cycles, so its important to stay informed about when and where you need to vote. You can sign up for our election reminder service to receive SMS or email alerts about elections in your area.
Levels of government
arrow_forwardGet to know and understand the difference between federal, state and local governments in Australia.
Voting in New South Wales
arrow_forwardVoters in New South Wales are required to vote at three levels of government elections.
Electoral boundaries
arrow_forwardGain an understanding of electoral boundaries and how they work.
Electoral roll
arrow_forwardThe electoral roll is a list of names and addresses of every registered voter in NSW. Enrolment for state and local government elections is compulsory in NSW.