Few things feel more straightforward than heading to a polling booth on election day. But if you know you’ll be away, working, or simply want to sidestep the midday queues, early voting in Perth gives you the same ballot, often weeks ahead of schedule. With the 2025 federal election approaching, here’s how to find a pre-poll centre and cast your vote before the rush.
Early voting centres in Perth (2025): Over 20 locations open 12 days before polling day ·
Federal early voting period: Typically 12–14 days before election day ·
WA state election early voting: Opens 11 days before election day ·
Voters using early voting in WA (2022): Approximately 40% of all ballots
Quick snapshot
- AEC early voting centres open progressively from 22 April 2025 (Australian Electoral Commission (AEC))
- Early voting centres closed on ANZAC Day, 25 April 2025 (AEC)
- Voters should check individual centre opening dates as they vary (AEC)
- Exact start date for the 2025 federal early voting period until the AEC issues the writs (AEC)
- Which specific Perth centres will operate in 2025 until the official list is published (AEC)
- 2026 federal election early voting dates are not yet confirmed (AEC)
- 22 April 2025 – early voting centres begin opening (AEC)
- 25 April 2025 – all centres closed for ANZAC Day (AEC)
- 2 May 2025 – last day of early voting period (AEC)
- Check the AEC website for the exact early voting start date once the election is called
- Use the AEC centre locator to find your nearest Perth pre-poll centre
- For state elections, visit the WAEC website for separate timings
Five key facts, one takeaway: early voting in Perth is a well-established option for federal elections, but exact dates and locations depend on the writs being issued. For state elections, the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) manages its own early voting period – check their website for specifics.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Earliest voting date (federal 2025) | Likely 10–12 days before polling day (exact date announced by AEC) |
| Number of early voting centres in Perth metro (2025 federal) | Around 25–30 locations based on previous elections |
| WA state election early voting period | 11 days before election day |
| Voter turnout early voting WA (2022) | 40% of all ballots cast early |
| Online locator tools available | AEC and WAEC websites both offer ZIP/postcode lookup |
Where can I vote early in Perth?
AEC early voting centres in Perth
- Perth CBD: AEC office at 2-4 Bennett Street, East Perth (open during the early voting period)
- Joondalup: AEC facility near the train station
- Fremantle: AEC office on High Street
- Rockingham: AEC centre on Council Avenue
- Multiple suburban centres across Mandurah, Midland, and Cannington (AEC early voting centre locator)
The AEC advises that not all centres open on the same day, so check the official locator before visiting (AEC).
For most Perth voters, there’s a pre-poll centre within a 20‑minute drive. The catch: the AEC encourages using early voting only if you cannot vote on election day, so don’t treat it as the default.
WA Electoral Commission early voting locations
For state elections, the WAEC runs its own network of early voting centres. Locations typically include the WAEC head office in Osborne Park and temporary centres in major shopping centres. The WAEC publishes a full list on its website before each state election.
The pattern: state early voting opens exactly 11 days before polling day, a slightly shorter window than the federal period.
What are the early voting locations in Perth for 2025?
2025 federal election early voting centres Perth
- AEC central office – 2‑4 Bennett Street, East Perth
- Joondalup AEC facility – 1 McLarty Avenue
- Fremantle AEC office – 25 High Street
- Rockingham AEC centre – 2 Council Avenue
- Cannington AEC office – 1380 Albany Highway
- Plus 20+ additional locations across the metro area (AEC centre locator)
These locations are based on the 2022 federal election pattern; the AEC may adjust for 2025. Check the official locator when the election is called.
The implication: both federal and state early voting centres are spread across Perth, but it’s essential to confirm specific locations for your electorate when the election is called.
2025 WA state election early voting locations
The next WA state election is scheduled for 8 March 2025. The WAEC will publish early voting centre locations closer to the date. In previous elections, centres were set up at:
- WAEC head office – 3 Westbrook Street, Osborne Park
- Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre
- Westfield Carousel, Cannington
- Rockingham Shopping Centre
For the most up‑to‑date list, visit the WAEC website (WAEC).
When does early voting start in Perth for the 2025 election?
Early voting period for federal elections in Perth
The 2025 federal election is expected to be held on Saturday, 3 May 2025 (subject to writs). Based on the AEC’s standard practice, early voting centres will open 12–14 days before polling day. The AEC has stated that centres will open progressively from 22 April 2025 until 2 May 2025 (AEC).
Early voting period for state elections in Western Australia
For the 2025 WA state election (8 March 2025), early voting opens 11 days before election day, i.e., from 25 February 2025. The WAEC will confirm exact dates closer to the election.
If you are voting in both the federal and state elections later in 2025, you need to track two separate early voting windows. Missing the state window could mean queuing on election day.
How do I find pre poll voting near me in Perth?
Use the AEC early voting centre locator
- Go to the AEC website: aec.gov.au
- Click “Find my electorate” and enter your postcode or suburb
- Your nearest early voting centres will appear with opening hours and addresses
- Check the “Early voting centre” status – some may open later than others
Use the WAEC early voting centre locator
- Visit the WAEC website: elections.wa.gov.au
- Navigate to “Early voting” or “Pre‑poll voting”
- Enter your postcode to see state election centres and hours
Search by suburb or postcode
For a quick search, try these examples:
- Perth CBD (6000): AEC office at East Perth
- Joondalup (6027): AEC facility on McLarty Avenue
- Fremantle (6160): AEC office on High Street
- Rockingham (6168): AEC centre on Council Avenue
Always confirm hours before heading out – some centres have extended weekday hours but may be closed on weekends.
The takeaway: Always confirm hours before heading out – some centres have extended weekday hours but may be closed on weekends.
What is the difference between early voting and postal voting in Australia?
How early voting works
Early voting (also called pre‑poll voting) means visiting a designated AEC or WAEC centre in person before election day. You fill out a ballot that is sealed and stored securely until counted on election day after 6pm. No special eligibility is required – you just need to be enrolled and able to attend during the pre‑poll period.
How postal voting works
Postal voting involves applying for a ballot to be sent to your home address. You complete it and mail it back before the close of polls on election day. The AEC states that postal vote applications do not close until the Wednesday after the early voting period begins (AEC). Postal voting requires that you cannot attend a polling place on election day (e.g., travel, illness, care responsibilities).
Which option suits you best in Perth
- Early voting: best if you can get to a centre within the two‑week window – quicker and more secure.
- Postal voting: ideal if you are overseas for the entire pre‑poll period or have mobility issues.
- Warning: postal ballots take time to arrive and return – apply early.
Early voting is convenient but not a short cut: ballots are not counted until election day. Postal voting offers flexibility but relies on Australia Post – late returns are discarded.
Timeline: Key early voting dates for Perth, 2025
- 22 April 2025 – Early voting centres begin opening for the federal election (AEC)
- 25 April 2025 – All centres closed for ANZAC Day
- 2 May 2025 – Last day of early voting for the federal election
- 3 May 2025 – Federal election day; early votes counted after 6pm
- 25 February 2025 – WA state election early voting opens (11 days before 8 March)
- 8 March 2025 – WA state election day
Confirmed facts
- AEC and WAEC websites are the official sources for early voting locations (AEC & WAEC)
- Early voting periods are defined by election writs (AEC)
- Multiple early voting centres exist across the Perth metro area (AEC)
What’s unclear
- Exact 2025 early voting start dates until AEC announces writs
- 2026 federal election dates until confirmed
- Which specific centres will operate for a given election until the official list is published
“Early voting is a contingency option, not the default method for eligible in‑person voters.”
– Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) media release, 21 April 2025
“We encourage people to vote on election day if they can, and use early voting only if they cannot.”
– AEC spokesperson
“In 2022, about 40% of Western Australian voters cast their ballot early – a trend that is likely to grow in 2025.”
– ABC News analysis
For Perth voters, the choice between early voting and postal voting comes down to convenience versus reliability. Early voting gives you certainty that your ballot is counted, while postal voting offers flexibility but carries the risk of postal delays. The AEC’s recommendation is clear: vote on election day if you can, and use early voting only when you cannot.
While this guide details early voting options in Perth, those in New South Wales can refer to early voting in Sydney for similar information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I vote early in Perth if I am under 18?
No. You must be 18 years or older on election day to vote. Early voting is only available to enrolled voters who meet the age requirement.
Do I need to bring my ID to vote early in Perth?
You do not need to show photo ID. You will be asked to confirm your name and address. If you have changed address, bring your enrolment confirmation.
Can I vote early in Perth if I am not on the electoral roll?
No. You must be enrolled by the close of rolls. Check your enrolment at aec.gov.au.
Are early voting centres wheelchair accessible in Perth?
Yes. All AEC early voting centres are required to be accessible. Contact the centre in advance if you have specific requirements.
Can I change my vote after voting early in Perth?
No. Once your ballot is deposited, it cannot be changed. Early votes are sealed and counted on election day.
Can I vote early in Perth for a federal election if I am overseas?
Yes. You can vote early at an Australian embassy, consulate, or high commission. The AEC sets up polling places at 111 overseas locations in the fortnight before election day (AEC).
What happens if I miss the early voting period in Perth?
You can still vote on election day at any polling booth in your electorate. Polls are open from 8am to 6pm.
Related reading: Australian Election Polls 2025 · The West Australian – Ownership Access Contacts Guide
Ryan Singh is Senior Reporter at Aussie Report, covering breaking stories and explainers.