V
Candidate Register2026 Victorian State Election

Voter Education Hub

Everything you need to vote confidently in the 2026 Victorian State Election — how preferential voting works, key dates, and how to enrol.

How preferential voting works

Victoria uses full preferential voting for the Lower House (Legislative Assembly) and proportional representation (single transferable vote) for the Upper House (Legislative Council). Your vote keeps working until a candidate is elected.

  1. 1
    Number every box

    On your Lower House ballot paper, number every candidate in order of your preference — 1 for your first choice, 2 for your next, and so on. A vote with gaps or repeats is informal.

  2. 2
    First preferences are counted

    All the number 1 votes are counted first. If a candidate gets more than 50% of these, they're elected immediately.

  3. 3
    Lowest candidate excluded

    If no one has a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is excluded. Their ballot papers are passed to the voter's next preference.

  4. 4
    Repeat until someone wins

    This process continues — excluding the lowest, distributing preferences — until one candidate has more than 50% of the votes and is elected.

Upper House (Legislative Council): You vote for a group or individual candidates above or below the line. The eight regions each elect five members, so a candidate needs about 16.7% of the vote to be elected. Surplus and excluded candidates' preferences are distributed until all five seats are filled.

Key dates — 2026 State Election

  • Mon 9 Nov 2026
    Electoral roll closes

    Deadline to enrol or update your details to vote in the state election.

  • Tue 10 Nov 2026
    Candidate nominations close

    Final day for candidates to lodge nominations with the VEC.

  • Mon 16 Nov 2026
    Early voting opens

    Pre-poll voting centres open for eligible voters.

  • Fri 20 Nov 2026
    Postal vote applications close

    Last day to apply for a postal vote (must be received by 6pm).

  • Sat 28 Nov 2026
    Election day

    Polling places open 8am–6pm. Victoria votes for the 62nd Parliament.

  • Fri 11 Dec 2026
    Return of writs

    Final date for the return of writs to the Governor.

Dates are indicative based on the VEC's published 2026 election timetable and a 28 November election day. Confirm exact dates on the VEC website.

How to enrol to vote

Enrolment is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over living in Victoria. You can enrol or update your details online in a few minutes.

  1. Check you're eligible — Australian citizen, aged 18+, and a Victorian resident for at least one month.
  2. Have your ID ready — a driver's licence or passport makes online enrolment instant.
  3. Enrol or update online — visit the VEC enrolment page or the AEC enrolment page.
  4. Update your address if you've moved — you must vote in the electorate where you live.
  5. Vote on or before 28 November 2026 — in person at a polling place, early voting centre, or by postal vote.
Not enrolled yet? You can enrol and vote at a polling place on election day if you bring ID. Don't miss your chance to have a say.

Common questions

Do I have to number every box?

Yes — for the Lower House, you must number every box in order of preference or your vote is informal. For the Upper House, you can vote above the line (number at least 5 groups) or below the line (number at least 12 candidates).

What if I'll be away on election day?

You can vote early at a pre-poll centre from 16 November, apply for a postal vote (applications close 20 November), or vote at any polling place in Victoria on election day.

Is voting compulsory?

Yes. If you're enrolled and don't vote, you may receive a fine. If you can't vote, you must provide a valid and sufficient reason.

This hub provides general information only. For official guidance, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission at vec.vic.gov.au.