Here are all the key dates to look out for.
Today, Tuesday, November 3:
The Victoria governor issues writs for the election.
• This marks the official start of the Victorian election, with a writ being a legal document instructing Victoria’s electoral commissioner to hold an election.
• The writ formally lays out the dates of the close of the electoral roll, the nominations deadline and election day.
The 60th Parliament of Victoria will expire either when the writs are issued or at 6pm, whichever comes first, officially sending the government into the pre-election caretaker period.
• During the caretaker period, the government continues with day-to-day operations but avoids making major decisions unless they are urgent.
People have until 8pm to confirm their details on the Victorian electoral roll.
• All Australian citizens aged 18 or older who have lived in Victoria for longer than a month must enrol to vote.
Wednesday, November 4:
Postal voting applications open.
• Postal voting packets are only posted after the nominations of candidates close.
Candidate nominations open.
• Candidates have five days to formally nominate, locking in their place on the ballot.
Monday, November 9:
Candidate nominations close at noon, with the ballot draw taking place in the afternoon.
• The draw determines the order in which candidates appear on the ballot. Being listed first can potentially boost a candidate’s vote by a whole percentage point.
Wednesday, November 18:
Early voting begins, with people able to vote at an early voting centre until 6pm the day before election day.
• You do not need to provide a reason to vote early in Victoria.
Registration for voting over the phone begins.
• Those who are blind, have low vision, or need assistance to cast their vote can register to vote over the phone, and can do so throughout the entire early voting period and on election day.
Wednesday, November 25:
Postal vote applications close at 6pm.
• When applying for a postal vote, voters choose a verification question and nominate an answer. This answer must be included on the declaration paper for the VEC to count the vote when it is returned.
Saturday, November 28:
Election day.
• Those who have yet to vote must visit any voting centre between 8am and 6pm to cast their vote.
Friday, December 4:
Postal voting return cut-off.
• All postal votes must have been received by the VEC on or before this day to count.
Saturday, December 19:
This is the deadline by which the writs must be returned.
• Following the declaration of results, the VEC returns the writs to the governor with the names of the elected candidates, officially concluding the election.
Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens over 18 living in Victoria.
To learn more about different voting options, visit tinyurl.com/43bstyux
To check or confirm your enrolment, visit tinyurl.com/b35xk3fe before 8pm on Tuesday, November 3.
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