Media release

2023 referendum: Final key dates confirmed

Updated: 11 September 2023

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) has this afternoon issued the writ for the 2023 referendum to the Australian Electoral Commissioner.

The issue of writ formally sets the referendum in motion, now confirming the below dates in the referendum timeline:

  • Issue of writ: Monday 11 September
  • Postal vote applications open: 6pm, Monday 11 September
  • Enrolment deadline: 8pm, Monday 18 September

2023 Referendum Timetable - Issue of writ: Monday 11 September, Postal voting applications open: Monday 11 September, Close of rolls: 8pm Monday 18 September, Start of remote voter services: Monday 25 September, Start of early voting (NT, TAS, VIC & WA): Monday 2 October *Public holiday in some states, Start of early voting (ACT, NSW, QLD & SA): Tuesday 3 October, Postal voting applications close: 6pm Wednesday 11 October, Voting day: Saturday 14 October

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