On the Roll and OFF the Roll

It is possible for the name of an elector to be removed from the roll. Even though every citizen aged 18 and over is required to be enrolled.

 

If the need arises an elector may cease to be listed, whilst remaining a citizen.

Extracts 

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918

Section 93

(8) A person who:

(a) by reason of cognitive impairment, is incapable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting; 

Section 114

(1A) An elector may object to the enrolment of another person on the ground specified in paragraph 93(8)(a), whether or not the elector is enrolled in the same Subdivision as the other person.

 

Section 116

(4) If:

(a) an objection is made on the ground specified in paragraph 93(8)(a); and

(b) the objection is not supported by a certificate of a medical practitioner;

the Electoral Commissioner shall dismiss the objection without giving notice to the challenged elector.

Section 118

(4) The Electoral Commissioner shall not remove an elector’s name from the Roll on the ground specified in paragraph 93(8)(a) unless the objection is accompanied by a certificate of a medical practitioner stating that, in the opinion of the medical practitioner, the elector, because of cognitive impairment, is incapable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting. 

There are other reasons for removal, all based on failure to show the correct place of residence.

Objection means writing to the AEC. 

(In addition, anyone convicted of treason or treachery, and is not pardoned, is not entitled to be on the roll.)

Enrolling

Is easily done via the AEC website. It is also possible to fill in a form - but it may not be easy to get the form!

People may be put on the roll by direct digital means; the AEC may get your particulars from another Government agency. It is still your responsibility to ensure you are enrolled at the correct address.

The Roll in an election uses less paper now

The Certified List, used for marking the names of electors issued ballot papers, used to look like the picture. In the 2025 election more use was made of Electronic Certified Lists (ECL), in total 12,300. Thus, 7,503,678  electors did not see a printed Division roll, but had their names marked electronically (including myself). This would be expensive, but somewhat offset by saving printing and, I imagine, by making the ECLs available to the State for State Districts elections.

Image courtesy AEC: Commonwealth of Australia 2022

Yours sincerely

Allen Hampton

Coburg

achamptonmob@gmail.com