How to vote in the 2026 Vic election
It's on Saturday 28 November 2026, 8am to 6pm. Here's the plain-English version: key dates, and how to fill in both ballots so your vote counts.
ℹ️ ballotbae is an independent guide. It isn't the Victorian Electoral Commission and isn't official advice. The VEC is the official source for enrolment and voting.
🗓️ Key dates
| Enrolment closes | 8pm, Tuesday 3 November |
|---|---|
| Candidate nominations close | 12 noon, Monday 9 November |
| Low sensory voting | 10am to 4pm, Tuesday 17 November, in every district |
| Early voting | Wednesday 18 to Friday 27 November (closes 6pm on the 27th) |
| Postal vote applications close | 6pm, Wednesday 25 November |
| Election day | Saturday 28 November, 8am to 6pm |
Voting is compulsory for all Victorians who are Australian citizens aged 18 and older.
🗳️ Filling in your ballots
You'll get two ballot papers and need to fill in both.
Small paper · Lower house
Legislative Assembly: your district's 1 MP
number every box in your order of preference, starting with 1.
Big paper · Upper house
Legislative Council: your region's 5 MPs
either number at least 5 boxes above the line (for parties or groups), or at least 5 boxes below the line (for individual candidates). Don't do both.
✏️ Use numbers only. No ticks or crosses. 💡 Victoria uses preferential voting: if your first choice is knocked out, your vote flows to your next preference, so ranking a small party first doesn't waste your vote.
🏃 Ways to vote
- Election day: Saturday 28 November, 8am to 6pm at about 1,700 voting centres.
- Early voting: Wednesday 18 to Friday 27 November (closes 6pm on the 27th) at about 200 early voting centres.
- Postal: apply by 6pm, Wednesday 25 November.
- Low sensory voting: 10am to 4pm, Tuesday 17 November, in every district.
- Away from Victoria? You can still vote. Interstate and overseas options are run by the VEC.
🤔 Not sure who to vote for?
See where every party stands, issue by issue, with receipts. Or find out who reps your area right now.
Find your election baddie: swipe 12 issues, see which party matches youCompare the parties · Browse the issues · Find your electorate
Sources: 2026 state election (Victorian Electoral Commission) · How to fill out state ballot papers (Victorian Electoral Commission) · 100 days until the 2026 Victorian state election: what you need to know (Victorian Electoral Commission). Always check the VEC for the final word.
Quick answers
When is the 2026 Victorian state election?
Saturday 28 November 2026, 8am to 6pm.
Is voting compulsory?
Voting is compulsory for all Victorians who are Australian citizens aged 18 and older.
How many boxes do I number on the upper house ballot?
Upper house (Legislative Council, large ballot paper): either number at least 5 boxes above the line (for parties or groups), or at least 5 boxes below the line (for individual candidates). Don't do both.
Does voting for a small party waste my vote?
Victoria uses preferential voting: if your first choice is knocked out, your vote flows to your next preference, so ranking a small party first doesn't waste your vote.