SYDNEY – Early voting kicked off across Australia on Tuesday ahead of the May 3 federal election, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party holding a slim but steady lead over the conservative opposition led by Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton.
With early and postal voting surging in popularity, the Australian Electoral Commission estimates that up to half of eligible voters may cast their ballots before election day. The early voting phase opens amid declining public approval for Dutton, who has struggled to distance himself from perceptions of ideological alignment with US President Donald Trump.
Dutton recently dropped a controversial policy proposal that would have mandated a full-time return to office for federal workers and slashed tens of thousands of public sector jobs. The plan was seen as echoing the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reportedly inspired by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Prime Minister Albanese, meanwhile, has gained momentum in the polls, reversing a six-point deficit from January to lead by as much as nine points earlier this month. A Newspoll survey released on Sunday showed Labor ahead by four points in a two-party preferred scenario under Australia’s preferential voting system.
“There’s no complacency from my camp, I assure you of that,” Albanese said at a press conference on Monday. “This election is certainly up for grabs.”
He cautioned against overconfidence, referencing the 2019 election when some betting agencies prematurely paid out on a Labor win, only for the Liberal Party, then led by Scott Morrison, to clinch victory.
Campaign activities were expected to be subdued Tuesday following the death of Pope Francis, with national leaders paying tribute. However, both Albanese and Dutton are scheduled to face off in the third and final televised debate later in the evening—a crucial moment in the tightly contested race.
Australia’s compulsory voting system requires all citizens aged 18 and over to participate in the election, with key issues including the economy, public sector reform, and Australia’s foreign policy stance drawing voter attention.