On Saturday 14 October, eligible Australians will vote in a national referendum to alter the Constitution and recognise the first peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
It is compulsory for Australian citizens over 18 to vote in the referendum, but you aren't automatically added to the electoral roll when you turn 18! If you haven't done so already, make sure you have enrolled to vote via the Australian Electoral Commission.
Not sure if your details are correct? Check your enrolment here.
Enrol to vote or update your details
The deadline for enrolling to vote or changing your details on the electoral roll for the 2023 Voice referendum is 8pm, Monday 18 September.
What will I vote on?
You will be asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' on a single question:
A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?
What is the Voice?
The Voice would give independent advice to parliament and the government on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, helping to address disadvantage and systemic discrimination.
How will the vote be decided?
For the Constitution to be altered, the proposed change needs to be approved by a double majority of Australians. This means both of the following criteria must be met:
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More than half of all voters must submit a 'yes' response
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More than half of all voters in at least four of the six states must submit a 'yes' response.
How to vote
Thousands of polling locations will be open across Australia on Saturday 14 October. If you are unable to vote on the day, there are other options that you may be eligible for:
You must write either 'yes' or 'no' in English on your ballot paper. Do not draw a tick or a cross symbol.
I'm not an Australian citizen - do I need to vote?
To be eligible to vote in the referendum, you must be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older.
Provisional enrolment for potential new citizens
If you are scheduled to attend your citizenship ceremony on or before Saturday 14 October 2023, you can complete the provisional enrolment form to enrol as a new citizen ahead of the referendum.
UNSW supports the Voice
UNSW has actively supported the Voice from its early days, including through the Indigenous Law Centre at UNSW and the Uluru Dialogues.
The Uluru Statement aligns with UNSW’s institutional values of inclusion, respect and excellence. UNSW proudly heeds its call for all Australians to walk together for a better future.
UNSW’s position does not compel any member of our community to vote one way or the other, nor is there any prohibition on advancing arguments against the Voice. Freedom of voting and free speech are important parts of the University’s values.
More about UNSW and the Voice.
Authorised by Alison Avery for the University of New South Wales, The Chancellery, High St Kensington NSW 2033.