Voter Information

About voting

In the Northern Territory, it is compulsory for eligible voters to vote in all government elections including federal, Territory and local government elections. If you do not vote, you may receive a fine.

Voting is important as it allows you to have a say about who represents you in federal government, Territory government or local government. Governments have responsibilities for making laws and decisions about matters that affect our community including roads, health care, education and housing.

Enrolment details

You can check your enrolment details online by visiting Australian Electoral Commission website.

You can update your enrolment details at any time. However, during an election event, you are required to vote where you were enrolled at the close of electoral roll date. The electoral roll closes at 5pm on 2 April 2026 for the April 2026 by-elections.

Adding your email and mobile phone number to your enrolment means you will receive a reminder whenever you need to vote. If you update your enrolment details now you won’t receive notifications until the next election in the Territory where you are required to vote.

Voting service and voting assistance

Mobile voting will begin across the region from Monday 13 April. The schedule will be published when it is finalised. If you require assistance to vote, contact NTEC on 1800 698 683 or email ntec@nt.gov.au.

Postal voting

If you are unable to vote at a voting centre you can apply for a postal vote. Postal voting is available for all elections in the Northern Territory.

Unable to attend

If you are unable to attend a voting centre or receive a postal vote you must notify the NT Electoral Commission and provide a reason for not voting. If your reason is considered sufficient and reasonable this will be recorded. Please provide your reason for not voting in writing by emailing: ntec.non-voters@nt.gov.au. Please provide your enrolled name, address and date of birth so we can confirm you on the electoral roll.

Make your vote count

Plan when and where you are going to vote. Apply for a postal vote if you cannot attend a voting centre.

When you receive your ballot paper, you will receive voting instructions. Voting instructions are also written on the ballot paper. You must write the number ‘1’ next to the candidate who is your first choice.

Continue numbering the boxes in the order of your preference. For example, write the number ‘2’ next to the candidate who is your second choice; put the number ‘3’ next to your third choice and so on until there is a number against every candidate.

You can cross any mistakes you make and correct them or ask for a new ballot paper if you make multiple mistakes. If you need help, you can ask a voting official for assistance.

There is information on the NT Electoral Commission website about how to vote, including how to vote videos in English and 13 Aboriginal languages.

There is also a multi-lingual guide to voting available on the website and in voting centres.