When returning your postal vote to the AEC, it is very important to put your completed postal vote certificate and your ballot paper(s) in the return envelope correctly.

If you do not put your postal vote certificate and ballot paper(s) in the return envelope correctly, your vote may not be able to be counted.

Please follow the steps below. You can also watch a video on how to complete your postal vote.

Completing your postal vote

Step 1: Detach the green-coloured ballot paper and fold it in half.

Step 2: Place the ballot paper inside the postal vote certificate (on the purple shaded area) and fold your certificate back in half the same way as received so that the ballot paper is inside in the certificate.

Step 3: Find the blue arrow on the bottom edge of the folded postal vote certificate and put your postal vote certificate inside the return envelope this way (keeping your ballot paper inside the postal vote certificate).

Please check:

• you can see the Divisional Returning Officer’s (DRO) return address in the clear window at the front of the envelope.
• the blue boxes 1, 2 and 3 on the postal vote certificate – which have your enrolment details, signature and witness signature – are facing the removable panel. DO NOT remove the panel.
• make sure your ballot paper(s) are inside the postal vote certificate and are not blocking the DRO’s return address or the blue boxes facing the panel.
• use the return envelope for one person’s vote only.
• DO NOT include the purple information pamphlet (which was included in your postal vote pack). Please keep this for your information.

Step 4: If your return envelope does not have a clear window on the front of it:

• If the return address is pre-printed – seal the envelope and return.
• If the return address is not pre-printed and you are in Australia, please address your return envelope:

Australian Electoral Commission
Reply Paid 9922
IN YOUR CAPITAL CITY
(Postage is paid within Australia)

Returning your overseas postal vote

The AEC partners with DHL to return overseas postal votes to the AEC.

There are 2 options to return your postal vote via DHL.

Option 1: Book a Pickup:

1. Go to https://mydhl.express.dhl/index/en.html and select country.
2. Select Ship > Schedule a Pickup.
3. Select ‘No’ to creating a shipping label.
4. Enter the Waybill Number. This can be found on the white shipping details on the front of your return satchel, next to the word WAYBILL.
5. Follow the prompts to schedule your pickup.

Option 2: Shipment Drop-off:

1. Find the nearest DHL Service Point at https://locator.dhl.com/
2. Take your satchel to your nearest DHL Service Point.

To be counted, the postal vote must be received by the AEC by the 13th day after polling day.

• Seal the satchel
• You or a representative must be present when the courier arrives. Shipments cannot be left outside or in ‘safe’ places for the courier to pickup.
• You or a representative will need to hand *WAYBILL DOC* to courier at time of pickup.
• Ensure your packages are packed and labelled correctly to avoid damage or delays.
• Waybills will expire 90 days after issue.

If you are overseas and wish to return your vote using the local postal service instead, then you do not need to use the satchel. Affix stamps to the sealed envelope and mail as soon as possible . However, using this service may not allow for sufficient time for the AEC to receive you completed postal vote by the 13th day after polling day.