The short answer
100 days until the 2026 Victorian state election: what you need to know
The 2026 Victorian state election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026, with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) marking 100 days until polling day on 20 August 2026. Voting is compulsory for Victorians who are Australian citizens aged 18 and older; enrolment for the state election closes at 8 pm on Tuesday 3 November 2026, and the VEC says first-time voters who will turn 18 on or before election day should check that they are enrolled. The VEC has published its final 2026 state election service plan and an official election timeline: writs are issued on 3 November, nominations open 4 November and close 9 November, early voting opens 18 November, and polling places are open 8 am to 6 pm on election day. The VEC expects almost 4.7 million Victorians to vote and plans about 1,700 voting centres on election day.
This guide explains the federal position first. State, territory and local elections can use different rules, dates and ballot systems, so the commission named on your election material is the final operational source.
The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.
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When the election is and what to do now
The 2026 Victorian state election is on Saturday 28 November 2026. The VEC's media release of 20 August 2026 marks 100 days until polling day and urges all eligible voters to check their enrolment details and be ready to vote.
Voting is compulsory for all Victorians who are Australian citizens aged 18 and older. The VEC says first-time voters who will turn 18 on or before Saturday 28 November should make sure they are enrolled, as this may not have happened automatically.
Enrolment for the state election will close at 8 pm on Tuesday 3 November 2026, which is Melbourne Cup Day. Voters can check and update their enrolment through the VEC website at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment, and can sign up to the free VoterAlert service to receive election reminders by SMS and email.
The VEC says almost 4.7 million Victorians are expected to vote in November, in what it describes as the state's largest and most complex election yet.
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The official election timeline
The VEC's 2026 state election page sets out the official timeline: on Tuesday 3 November the writs are issued at 6 pm and the electoral roll closes at 8 pm.
Nominations open on Wednesday 4 November, when postal vote applications also open, and close for all candidates at 12 noon on Monday 9 November. How-to-vote card registration opens on Tuesday 10 November, and group voting ticket registration closes at 12 noon on Wednesday 11 November.
Low sensory voting runs on Tuesday 17 November from 10 am to 4 pm; early voting and telephone-assisted voting open on Wednesday 18 November; how-to-vote card registration closes at 12 noon on Friday 20 November; postal vote applications close at 6 pm on Wednesday 25 November; early voting closes at 6 pm on Friday 27 November; and on Saturday 28 November voting is open 8 am to 6 pm.
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Voting services being planned
The VEC's media release says this year's state election services include approximately 1,700 voting centres on election day and 200 early voting centres across the state, and approximately 400 mobile voting services in aged-care facilities, hospitals, homeless shelters and prisons.
The VEC is also planning low sensory mobile voting for neurodiverse voters in all 88 districts, including dimmed lighting, reduced noise and additional space; voting services at interstate and overseas locations for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic; and the expansion of electronic roll mark-off across election venues.
The VEC published its final 2026 state election service plan on 20 August 2026, which outlines the services available for this election and how they will be delivered. It is mailing more than 3 million EasyVote guides to Victorian households, and running more than 300 education sessions across the state.
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Voting options
There are several ways to vote in the state election: on election day at a voting centre, early at an early voting centre, by post, or with extra support. The Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, said in the media release that voters should plan ahead and choose the best option for them.
Postal vote applications open on 4 November and close at 6 pm on Wednesday 25 November, so postal voters should apply well before election day.
All dates and arrangements here come from the VEC's official pages, which are the authoritative source for enrolment, nomination, voting and result information for this election. Candidate and party material is separate from the VEC's official election services.
Common questions
Before you rely on the answer
When is the 2026 Victorian state election?
Saturday 28 November 2026, with voting open at polling places from 8 am to 6 pm, according to the VEC. The 100-day mark fell on 20 August 2026.
When does enrolment close for the state election?
At 8 pm on Tuesday 3 November 2026, the same day the writs are issued at 6 pm. The VEC says first-time voters turning 18 on or before election day should check they are enrolled.
Is voting compulsory in Victoria?
Yes. Voting is compulsory for Victorians who are Australian citizens aged 18 and older, according to the VEC.
What are the key dates after enrolment closes?
Nominations open 4 November and close at 12 noon on 9 November; early voting opens 18 November; postal vote applications close 6 pm on 25 November; early voting closes 6 pm on 27 November; election day is 28 November.
How many voting centres will there be?
The VEC plans approximately 1,700 voting centres on election day and 200 early voting centres across the state, plus about 400 mobile voting services, according to its 20 August 2026 media release.
Where should I check for official election information?
Use the VEC website, including its 2026 state election page and enrolment services, and the VoterAlert reminders service. The VEC is the official source for Victorian state election arrangements.
Source spine
Primary material used for this guide
- Victorian Electoral Commission — Media release, 100 days until the 2026 Victorian state election (20 August 2026) — checked 2026-08-21
- Victorian Electoral Commission — 2026 state election (official timeline) — official record — checked 2026-08-21
Review trigger: New civic update based on the VEC media release of 20 August 2026 marking 100 days until the 2026 Victorian state election and the VEC official timeline (create). Review if the election date, enrolment deadline or key dates change, when the writ is issued, or when the VEC publishes updated service or timetable information.
Archive note: This article is based on the Victorian Electoral Commission media release of 20 August 2026 (100 days until the 2026 Victorian state election) and the VEC 2026 state election page, both checked on 21 August 2026. All election dates, enrolment requirements and service figures are stated as published by the VEC, the official authority for this election. The article provides neutral election information and does not endorse any candidate or party.
Primary links are provided without affiliate or tracking parameters. Confirm that the source still applies to the bill, sitting date, jurisdiction or reporting period before relying on it.