How do I have my say?
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 24 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- Citizens aged 18+ must enrol and vote in federal, state and territory elections and referendums. If you’re not correctly enrolled, you can’t vote.
- The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) runs federal elections and referendums and maintains the electoral roll. It is independent of government — political parties or people in government cannot influence its decisions.
- Voting is by secret ballot — nobody may know how you voted unless you tell them.
- Not voting without a good reason may result in a fine.
- You can contact your elected representative to raise concerns; they should consider what you suggest.
Our Common Bond, p. 24
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. Who must enrol to vote in Australia?
- Permanent residents and citizens aged 18 or over
- Australian citizens aged 18 years or over
- Australian citizens aged 16 years or over
Show answer
Answer: B. Australian citizens aged 18 years or over
Citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote in federal, state and territory elections and referenda.
Our Common Bond, p. 24
2. Why does Australia have compulsory voting?
- To raise money from fines to pay for the cost of running elections
- To make sure the people have a say in who will govern and represent them
- To make sure that the same party stays in government for a long time
Show answer
Answer: B. To make sure the people have a say in who will govern and represent them
Compulsory voting makes sure the people have a say in who will govern and represent them in parliament.
Our Common Bond, p. 24
3. Is voting compulsory in a referendum?
- No, voting in a referendum is optional for citizens over 70
- Yes, just as it is in federal and state or territory elections
- No, it is compulsory in federal elections but not in referendums
Show answer
Answer: B. Yes, just as it is in federal and state or territory elections
Voting is compulsory in Australian elections, or if there are referenda on constitutional change. (It may not be compulsory to vote in local government elections in some states.)
Our Common Bond, p. 24
Practise all 12 questions on this topic