Parties that intend to register to contest the general election should be aware of the key dates in the table below.
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Wednesday 21 January |
Prime Minister announces dates for 2026 General Election |
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Wednesday 25 February |
Deadline for parties to notify eligibility for broadcasting allocation |
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Friday 20 March |
Deadline for written party submissions for broadcasting allocation |
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Thursday 11 June |
Last recommended date to lodge an application to register a party (and logo) to allow 8 weeks processing time before the legal deadline |
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Thursday 2 July |
Last recommended date to lodge an application to vary a party name or logo to allow 4 weeks processing time before the legal deadline |
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Thursday 6 August |
Last legal date for the Electoral Commission to register parties and logos for the election |
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Friday 7 August |
The Commission is prohibited from processing applications to register parties and logos from this date until after 3 December (the last date for the return of the writ for the election) Regulated period for election advertising expenses begins |
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Friday 14 August |
Deadline for registered parties to notify intention to bulk nominate and use the online nominations system |
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Monday 7 September |
Nominations open |
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Thursday 1 October |
Dissolution of Parliament |
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Sunday 4 October |
Writ day - the Governor General issues formal direction to the Electoral Commission to hold the election |
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Noon, Thursday 8 October |
Nomination day - deadline for bulk nomination of electorate candidates and party lists and candidates using individual nomination process |
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Saturday 7 November |
Election day - voting places open from 9.00am to 7.00pm |
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Friday 27 November |
Official results for the 2026 General Election declared |
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Thursday 3 December |
Last day for the return of the writ (subject to any recounts) |
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Tuesday 9 March 2027 |
Deadline for returns of candidate election expenses, donations and loans |
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Thursday 8 April 2027 |
Deadline for returns of party election expenses and broadcasting allocation returns |