State by-elections and appointments
By-elections
If a Lower House MP resigns or cannot complete their term, we hold a by-election to elect a new MP for that District.
Only the voters in that District are required to vote.
In a by-election, people can vote:
- at a voting centre on election day
- at an early voting centre
or - apply for a postal vote.
Registered general postal voters will be mailed a ballot pack and they do not need to apply for a postal vote.
Appointments
If an Upper House MP resigns or cannot complete their term, they are replaced by their party.
The process is known as an appointment. The party nominates a new person to fill the position. That person is then appointed by a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament.
Rules differ if the vacating MP was not a member of a party.