Can Permanent Residents Vote In Australia?

A citizen can vote in Australian government elections. In most cases permanent residents can’t vote in Australian government elections.

However, if a permanent resident was enrolled to vote (as a British subject) prior to 1984, they may remain eligible to vote.

The fundamental principle of a democracy (which literally translates as “rule by the people”) is that members of the community should have a say in the decisions that affect them.

Democracy is about membership, of which, citizenship is the main membership category. But still, it is just one part of membership. Permanent residents are also pivotal members—members whom are excluded from having a say in the decisions that affect them.

The concept of who is allowed to vote has changed significantly over time. For example, originally in England only male land-holders were able to vote.

At the beginning of voting in Australia, only men were allowed to vote. Women and Indigenous Australians were excluded. In short, the category of people who can vote in a community is changeable.

As a permanent resident, you stay in Australia forever if you never leave Australia again.

A permanent visa is granted with a five-year travel facility, with the ability to leave and enter Australia. Once the five years has expired, you must obtain a Resident Return visa to continue having entry rights to Australia.