In order to make sure you're voting for people who will actually represent you, any time you change name or address, you need to update your details on the electoral roll.
Why your address is important
Every politician - whether federal, state or local - represents people from a specific area.
Where you live determines the person you are allowed to vote for at an election. More specifically, it's where the electoral roll (the list of addresses of everyone enrolled to vote in Australia) says you live that determines who you can vote for.
If you want to vote for people who represent the area that you live in, you have to make sure the electoral roll has your current address on it. Otherwise you may end up voting for people who represent a different area from where you live. You don't want to be voting for who will represent the people of Wangaratta if you're living in Ararat, do you?
What if my address changes?
It's important to update your address if you move house. Failing to update your address within 21 days of moving can be considered an offence, meaning you could receive a fine.
When you change your address on the AEC website, the change will apply for all federal, state and local council elections.
Why your name is important
It's also important to make sure that the electoral roll has your correct name on it. If you change your name - for example, by deed poll or because you got married - and then rock up to an election and your old name's on the roll instead of your new one, you may not be able to vote. And if you're old enough to vote, but you don't vote, you could be fined.
How to check your details
You can check your current enrolment details on either the Victorian Election Commission (VEC) website or the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website.
If your information is incorrect, updating it with the AEC will automatically update your details with the VEC - there's no need to change it in both places.
How to update your name and address
If you've changed your name or address since the last time you voted (or since you enrolled to vote) you can update your information online, or fill in a new enrolment form.
For details on how to find and complete an enrolment form, check out our enrolling to vote page.
You only need to update your information once - updating it with the AEC will automatically update it with the VEC.
Links
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
The AEC is the organisation responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums.
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC)
The VEC is the organisation that conducts Victorian state elections and local council elections in Victoria, as well as some other types of elections.
