How Voting Works in Australia

At every federal election, you receive two votes: one for the House of Representatives and one for the Senate. On the green ballot (House of Reps), you must number every box in the order of your preference — this determines who will represent your local area in the lower house. On the white ballot (Senate), you can choose to vote either above the line for a party or group, or below the line for individual candidates. Voting below the line gives you greater control over where your preferences go, allowing you to support candidates who align most closely with your values, regardless of party.

Quick Tips for Voting

You get two votes

At the federal election, you’ll receive two ballot papers: one green and one white. The green ballot is for the House of Representatives (your local MP), and the white ballot is for the Senate (your state’s representatives).

Number every box on the green ballot

For the House of Representatives, you must number every box in order of preference. Put the candidate you most support as number 1, and work down from there. Every number counts.

Vote below the line in the Senate

If you are concerned about a minor party who doesn’t align with your values being elected in the Senate, we strongly recommend voting below the line on the white Senate ballot paper. By numbering all the boxes below the line, you are building up a rival vote to your least preferred party, decreasing their chances of being elected. This also gives you far more control over where your vote goes and ensures you support candidates who genuinely reflect your values.

Be strategic with your preferences

Think carefully about who you’re putting first. You don’t have to support a major party. Voting for a smaller party or independent who shares your values is never a wasted vote — your preferences will flow.

Know the candidates before you vote

Not all parties or candidates are up front about their policies. Some promote radical agendas under nice-sounding slogans. Take time to check where candidates stand — so your vote goes to someone you trust.

Vote early or on election day

You don’t have to wait for election day. If you’ll be away or want to avoid the crowds, you can vote early or apply for a postal vote. The most important thing is making sure you vote — and vote in a way that reflects your values.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about voting your values? See if it is answered below, or free free to get in touch with us.

Voting below the line on the Senate ballot lets you choose individual candidates, rather than just following a party’s group ticket. It gives you more control over where your vote goes and allows you to support candidates who reflect your values — whilst building up a rival to your least preferred candidates.

To vote below the line, you must number at least 12 boxes in order of your preference. But, the more you number, the better your preference flow is.

No. In Australia’s preferential voting system, your vote still counts. If your preferred candidate doesn’t win, your vote flows to your next preference. So voting for a smaller party or independent who shares your values is never a wasted vote.

Yes. Voting below the line means you can pick and choose individual candidates from any party — as long as you number them in your order of preference. It’s your vote, your choice. In fact, we recommend voting for individuals over parties!

If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, don’t panic. Just ask an election official for a new one. It’s better to start again and make sure your vote counts.

No party is perfect — but that doesn’t mean we step back. Instead, vote wisely and prayerfully. Choose candidates who most closely align with biblical values, and use your preferences to ensure your vote supports truth where it can.

Start by praying for wisdom. Ask God to guide your thinking and give you discernment as you prepare to vote. Voting isn’t just a civic duty — it’s an opportunity to honour God with your choices and seek the good of our nation. Take the time to research where candidates and parties stand on key issues, especially those that affect life, family, freedom, and truth. Don’t rely on slogans or headlines — dig deeper, and ask: Does this candidate reflect the kind of leadership and values that align with God’s Word? Speak with other believers, pastors, and trusted Christian voices. We’re not meant to walk alone — wise counsel can help sharpen our understanding and bring clarity. And above all, don’t sit out the election. In a culture moving further from truth, your vote is one of the most effective ways you can be a light. It matters — now more than ever.