This is the official timetable of key dates for the Dunkley by-election on March 2, 2024.
The dates show the election is being conducted within the minimum timeframe whereby polling day must be no less than 33 days from the issue of the writ.
2024 Dunkley By-Election Timetable
Event
Date
Explanation
Announcement of Election
Friday, January 19, 2024
Details of a by-election are issued by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, following the resignation or death of a member of the House. Peta Murphy, the ALP member for Dunkley, died on December 4, 2023. The timetable shown in this table was released by the Speaker, Milton Dick, in accordance with Section 33 of the Australian Constitution..
Issue of Writ
Monday, January 29, 2024
The writ is the official legal document that commands the Australian Electoral Commission to conduct the election in accordance with dates required by the Constitution and the Commonwealth Electoral Act. The writ is issued at the discretion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
On some occasions, particularly if a general election is soon to be held, the Speaker may choose not to issue a writ for a by-election. For example, on February 23, 2022, the ALP member for Spence, Nick Champion, resigned, in order to nominate for election to the South Australian House of Assembly seat of Taylor at the March 19 state election. Because of this timing, there was no point in holding a by-election because the parliament was dissolved on April 11 ahead of the federal election on May 21/
Close of Rolls
Monday, February 5, 2024 (8.00pm)
The electoral rolls close seven days after the issue of the writ, in accordance with Section 155 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
Voters have one week after the issue of the election writ to ensure that they are correctly enrolled.
New voters can enrol in this time and people who have changed residence can also notify the Australian Electoral Commission of their new address.
Close of Nominations
Thursday, February 8, 2023 (Midday)
Nominations for the election must close between 10 and 27 days after the issue of the writ, in accordance with Section 156 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act. People intending to stand as a candidate at the elections have until this date to submit their nomination forms.
Declaration of Nominations
Friday, February 9, 2024 (Midday)
Nominations must be publicly declared 24 hours after nominations close, in accordance with Section 176 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
At the Dunkley divisional office of the Australian Electoral Commission, the nominations will be declared and the order of names on the ballot paper will be determined by a blind-folded ballot.
Polling Day
Saturday, March 2, 2024 (8.00am-6.00pm)
Polling day must be between 23 and 31 days after the close of nominations, in accordance with Section 157 of the Electoral Act.
Pre-poll voting takes place at Electoral Commission offices prior to this date.
Return of Writs (latest date)
On or before Wednesday, May 8, 2024
The writs must be returned within 100 days of their issue, in accordance with Section 159 of the Electoral Act. This timeframe allows divisional returning officers sufficient time to count all votes and, if necessary, conduct recounts.
The newly-elected member for Dunkley will take his/her place in the House of Representatives at the first available opportunity following the AEC’s declaration of the result.