Melbourne, June 28: Early voting has commenced for voters who can’t make it to a polling place on election day, Saturday 2 July, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) announced.

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said voters entitled to vote early can either vote in person at an early voting centre or by applying for a postal vote.

“Early voting centres are open from today, Tuesday 14 June. To find your closest early voting centre visit www.aec.gov.au or call 13 23 26,” Mr Rogers said.

Postal vote applications can be completed online at www.aec.gov.au/pva. Hard copy postal vote applications are available from any AEC office or Australia Post outlet, or by calling 13 23 26.

“It is important for voters to apply early to ensure there is enough time to receive their ballot papers, complete and return them to the AEC by election day,” Mr Rogers said.

“Taking the opportunity to vote early for convenience or personal preference is not a valid reason under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.”

Voting in the 2016 federal election is compulsory for all enrolled voters.

The AEC website has translated information about voting in 27 languages. Visit www.aec.gov.au/ Translated to find out more or call 1300 720 153.

By K. Dev