TOMORROW is federal election day and after weeks of campaigning from the parties and their candidates, it's time for you to cast your vote to determine who will lead the country for the next few years.
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To help you decide we have summarised the key policies of Labor, the Coalition and the Greens.
Voting is compulsory for every Australian citizen aged 18 years or older. If you do not vote expect a "please explain" letter and fine from the Australian Electoral Commission.
Polling places open at 8am and close at 6pm sharp so make sure you get there on time. You can find your nearest booth on the AEC website (aec.gov.au).
When you have your name marked off the roll, you will receive two ballot papers: a green one for the House of Representatives and a white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper, you need to put a "1" in the box beside the candidate who is your first choice, "2" in the box beside your second choice and so on.
You must number every box for your vote to count.
This applies even to those voters in Charlton where the Liberal candidate Kevin Baker has quit the campaign. His name will still be on the ballot paper and you must include him in your preferences somewhere.
On the white ballot paper (for the Senate) you have a choice of two ways to vote.
You can just put a "1" in the box above the line for the party or group of your choice. By doing this, you're allowing the order of your preference to be determined by the party or group you're voting for.
Or you can choose to vote "below the line". If you choose this option you must fill in every box below the line in order of your preference. Do not duplicate or omit any numbers.
If you make a mistake, ask for another ballot paper and start again.
You can practise your voting here.
