Australian Capital Territory Voting Records

Australia Australian Capital Territory Voting Registers

The Territorial Franchise

When the Federal Capital Territory came into being on 1 January 1911, the residents of the Territory lost most of their voting rights: they were not represented in either house of Parliament, they were no longer residents of a State, there was no local government and their votes were not counted in referenda to alter the Constitution. They were, however, called to the polls on the occasions of plebescites and local option polls.

Compulsory enrolment was introduced at the national level in 1912.

House of Representatives

The residents of the Australian Capital Territory were granted a Member of the House of Representatives albeit with limited voting rights in the House by the Australian Capital Territory Representation Act, 1948 (Cth). Those voting rights were extended by the Australian Capital Territory Representation Act, 1959 (Cth) and full voting rights in the House achieved with the Australian Capital Territory Representation Act, 1966 (Cth).

In 1974, the territorial population had grown so that a second seat was created: The ACT gained a second seat in the House of Representatives. The two seats were named Canberra (generally covering the area south of Lake Burley Griffin) and Fraser (generally covering the north). A third seat was created for the 1996 election but then abolished before the 1998 election because of a fall in territorial population: Namadji (generally covering the south, whilst Canberra moved its coverage north so as to straddle Lake Burley Griffin).

Norfolk Islanders

Those residents of Norfolk Island who are entitled to vote in Australian elections are enrolled in the seat of Canberra.

Jervis Bay Territory

Residents of the Jervis Bay Territory are enrolled in the seat of Fraser.

• Canberra electorate profile at the Australian Electoral Commission.
• Fraser electorate profile at the Australian Electoral Commission.