Vote by post
You can apply to vote by post in the 2026 state election from 9 am Wednesday 4 November until 6 pm on Wednesday 25 November.
Apply early to allow enough time for the ballot pack to reach you.
We'll start posting ballot packs from Wednesday 11 November, once we know who all the candidates for the election are.
If you're already registered as a general postal voter, you don’t need to apply for a postal vote.
Apply online
The quickest way to apply for a postal vote is by using our online form.
The form will be available on this page at 9 am on Wednesday 4 November.
Verification question
When you apply for a postal vote online, you must choose a verification question and nominate an answer.
Keep a record of your answer. You must include it on the declaration on your ballot pack when you return your ballot papers.
If you asked for emailed ballot papers, you’ll need your answer to download your ballot pack.
We use this question to confirm your identity and admit your vote to the count.
Overseas voters
If you’re overseas, we recommend you get your ballot pack by email. You can select this option when you apply using the online form.
If you receive your ballot pack by email, you will need to post it back or drop it off at one of our international venues. You cannot send it back to us by email.
Apply using a paper form
If you prefer, you can also complete a paper application form to vote by post. Paper application forms are available from:
- Australia Post offices in Victoria
- VEC head office – Level 11, 530 Collins St, Melbourne
- your district election office.
Election office details will be available from 9 am on Wednesday 4 November.
Who sends postal votes
Postal vote applications must only be sent by us or through Australia Post outlets.
Candidates or political parties, or anyone else, are not allowed to send you postal vote applications.
If you receive a postal vote application from anyone other than us:
- don't fill it out
- report it to us as a breach of the Electoral Act 2002.
Getting your ballot pack by email
If you’re outside Victoria, or your mail service is slow or unreliable, we can email you a ballot pack.
We'll send you a link to download and print your ballot pack. You’ll need access to a printer.
If you receive your ballot pack by email it does not mean you can vote online. There is no online voting in this election.
Returning your vote
For your vote to count you must:
- post it back to us before 6 pm on Saturday 28 November
- drop it off at any early or election day voting centre in Victoria before 6 pm on Saturday 28 November.
Allow time for your vote to reach us. We must receive it no later than Friday 4 December to add it to the count.
Returning your vote from overseas
If you are overseas you can:
- post your vote to the VEC in Melbourne
- take your vote to your nearest overseas postal ballot drop-off location for fast return by international courier.
Find overseas ballot drop-off locations in our Election venue locator from Wednesday 4 November (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).
We must receive your vote by Friday 4 December to add it to the count. Please allow enough time for it to reach us.
General postal voters
Some people can enrol to always vote by post in state and local council elections.
To be a general postal voter in this election, apply before 8 pm on Tuesday 3 November.