Removal from the Electoral Roll

Electors can only have their names removed from the electoral roll under certain circumstances. These include when an elector dies, an elector is of unsound mind or an elector is moving overseas permanently or indefinitely.

Deceased elector

The Commission is periodically informed by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages of deceased people in Western Australia. They are then taken off the Electoral Roll. You may like to inform the Commission of a deceased friend or relative earlier.

You will need to provide the Commission with the deceased person’s full name, date of birth, date of death and last enrolled address. You will also need to provide your name, relationship to the deceased, and contact phone number.

Going overseas

If you are going overseas and believe that you will not be able to vote whilst you are away, then you should complete the overseas notification form (PDF, 535 kB).

This form should be used if you are:

  • going overseas indefinitely/permanently, to request that your name be removed from the electoral roll
  • going overseas temporarily and may not be able to vote in an upcoming electoral event, to request that you be excused from voting.

If you are already enrolled, you can register as an overseas elector if you are intending to return to Australia within six years.

You can apply up to three months before, or within three years after, you leave Australia. To do this, Register online or download a form to become an overseas elector (external link).

This form provides you with an option to become a general early voter so you will automatically receive a postal vote in the mail approximately 2–3 weeks after the announcement of the federal election.

Electors who lack capacity to vote 

An elector may be removed from the Register of electors where a registered medical practitioner has certified in writing that the person is incapable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting. Please complete and submit the medical objection form (PDF, 663 kB) to remove them from the electoral roll. The medical certificate on the form must be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Once the form is completed please return it to the AEC.