Voting in Australia – what we need to know?

Federal elections are held every three years to determine members of the House of Representatives and the Senate

Raia watoa hukumu yao ndani ya kituo chakupiga kura nchini Australia. Source: AAP

Voting is compulsory for Australians aged over 18 who have lived at their current address for more than one month.

Voters must be enrolled with the Australian Electoral Commission and once registered, they must vote to avoid penalties.

The Australian Electoral Commission, or the AEC, is an independent statutory body which facilitates the election process.

AEC spokesman Evan Ekin-Smyth says those registered must vote or be penalised.