A record number of Australians have enrolled to vote for the upcoming federal election.
98.2% of Australians are now on the electoral roll.
Figures from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) show more than 18 million people are registered to vote in 2025.
The AEC said the bulk of new voters at this election are first-time voters.
Enrolment
Australian citizens are required by law to enrol to vote when they turn 18. Voting in an election and referendum is compulsory.
Despite this, a small percentage of people are not enrolled. In 2010, more than 10% of Australians weren't enrolled, but rates have steadily improved since then.
Once you enrol, you are ready to vote.
Young people
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The AEC confirmed the majority of new enrolments at this election are first-time voters.
In March 2022, the national youth enrolment rate – measuring the number of eligible voters aged 18 to 24 – was 85.4%.
The youth rate has increased to 92% ahead of the 2025 election, which AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope described as “extremely healthy”.
“Well done, Australia,” Pope said.
International
98.2% overall enrolment is also high by international voting standards.
In countries where voting is not compulsory, enrolment and turnout are significantly lower.
In the UK, 59.7% of people turned out to vote at last year’s election, the lowest level in the country since 2001.
Turnout of eligible voters in the U.S. presidential election in November 2024 was 63.5%.
