Millions of Australians are hitting the polls today in a pivotal general election that will shape the country’s future. Voting is underway to decide who will lead the nation as the 48th federal parliament takes form.
From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., over 7,000 polling stations operated by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) are open across the nation. The AEC is also running 111 overseas voting centers in 83 countries, more than ever before, ensuring that Australians around the globe can have their say.
The race is on between the governing center-left Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seeking a second term, and the opposition conservative Coalition, headed by Peter Dutton, aiming to return to power after previous terms from 1996 to 2007 and 2013 to 2022.
Voting is mandatory in Australia for citizens aged 18 and over, and according to the AEC, early voting numbers have hit record highs. As of Thursday, 5.67 million people had already cast their votes at early voting centers, with an additional 1.52 million returning postal ballots.
This election holds significant weight, not just for Australians but for observers worldwide, as the nation’s policies on climate change, economy, and international relations are poised for potential shifts depending on the outcome.
Stay tuned as the votes are counted and Australia’s democratic voice is heard loud and clear.
