How to vote, as Scott Morrison, Anthony Albanese fight for prime minster

After what’s felt like the longest campaign in history, it’s finally time to cast your vote for the 2022 federal election.

The fierce battle between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese has come to a close after 40 days of ruthless campaigning, massive spending promises, and plenty of fiery moments.

The hotly contested election has the Labor and Liberal parties neck and neck in some seats, while in others, popular Independents are getting ready to nab a spot on Canberra’s Capital Hill.

With a big shakeup to both the Senate and the House of Representatives predicted, it’s important to make sure your vote counts.

On voting day

You’ll need to show up to a polling place between 8am and 6pm on May 21 to cast your vote.

The Australian Electoral Commission has a good website where you can check exactly where your closest polling booth is.

And don’t forget to double check what level of sausage sizzle supply your local booth offers, with the Democracy Sausage website showing you exactly what food and drinks to expect.

Polling booth hours are strict, so don’t show up at 6.01pm as you’ll likely be turned away and told to expect a $22 fine in the mail.

You can also find a list of candidates running in your electorate on the AEC website.

After providing your full name and address to an election day volunteer, who will tick you off in their huge book of names, you’ll be handed a small green piece of paper and a bigger white sheet of paper.