Federal election enters final stretch as early voting begins
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Federal election enters final stretch as early voting begins
Early voting has officially opened across Australia, marking the beginning of a crucial fortnight that could decide the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
With housing, cost of living and climate policy dominating the national conversation, political leaders are ramping up their final pitches, while millions of Australians are already heading to the polls.
The Greens say renters and first-home buyers could determine the result. While the latest polling shows Labor holding a narrow but steady lead as the Coalition fights to claw back ground before May 3.
Who is eligible to vote early in this election?
For millions of voters, casting a ballot early, either in person or by post, is the easiest way to get their vote in. But not everyone is eligible to vote early, and there are specific rules around who can.
You can vote early if, on election day, you:
are outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote
are more than 8km from a polling place
are travelling
are unable to leave your workplace to vote
are seriously ill, infirm or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
are a person with disability (or caring for someone who is)
are a patient in hospital and can’t vote at the hospital
have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place
are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained
are a silent elector
have a reasonable fear for your safety or wellbeing.
Many Australians will cast their vote at one of the 500 or so early voting centres. Others may apply for a postal vote — but applications close at 6pm on April 30.
Voters with low vision, or those stationed in Antarctica, can vote by phone.
For more info on how and when to vote, check out the Australian Electoral Commission Official Election Guide.
Greens urge renters and first-home buyers “have the power” to make change
This election, the Greens say the power is in the hands of renters and first-home buyers.
With hundreds of early voting centres now open, Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP says this cohort has the power to shape the outcome and push for action on the housing crisis.
“Renters and first-home buyers are in the box seat this election. With early voting now open, they have the power to fix the housing crisis.
“With the major parties set to make the housing crisis even worse, we can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. By voting [1] Greens, we can keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.
“Nothing changes if nothing changes. If you want change this election, you have to vote for it.”
Polling suggests Labor retains lead
As early voting begins, the latest Newspoll (published by The Australian) suggests Labor remains in a narrow but consistent lead.
The national survey has Labor ahead 52–48 on a two-party preferred basis, unchanged from earlier this month.
Labor’s primary vote ticked up to 34%, while the Coalition remained steady at 35%. The Greens held firm at 12%.
Other major polls and forecasts have echoed this trend, showing Labor gaining ground as the Coalition struggles to close the gap.
With in-person early voting now underway and the window closing for postal vote applications, the pressure is on for both major parties to win over undecided voters in the final stretch.
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