As of, I think, yesterday, John Howard can go to the Governor General and call an Australian Federal election at any time, although he has until January sometime and is unlikely to do so right away with the polls against him.
As Australians may or may not know, the laws have changed since the last Federal election, and the rolls will close pretty much as soon as the election is called (rather than just before the election itself). So, if you’re a bored Australian citizen today, it’s a good day to check that you’re enrolled to vote, rather than being locked out when the election is called (especially what with voting being compulsory for most adult resident citizens).
Things to check:
- Are you enrolled at your current permanent address? (You can check online.) If not, best to update it, as the Electoral Commission does check (usually when someone new moves into a place) and removes people who don’t seem to be living where they’re enrolled.
- Might you turn 18 before election day? If you’re 17 you can enrol now just in case you happen to be 18 on the day.
- Are you an Australian citizen living overseas? If so, you can (optionally) enrol to vote in some circumstances.