Early Voting Surge Continues Across Australia Ahead of May 3 Election

Early voting for Australia's federal election saw a significant surge, with around 542,000 ballots cast on the first day, a 70% increase from the previous election's initial turnout, according to the Australian Electoral Commission. Experts note that while this spike is notable, the overall early turnout may still level off due to the timing around public holidays. About half of all voters are expected to cast their ballots before the official election day on May 3. The increased turnout reflects broader voter engagement and possibly changing attitudes toward early voting in Australia. Meanwhile, political parties are adjusting their strategies to address shifting voter preferences and the impact of minor parties on preferences and outcomes. Both major and minor parties are recalibrating how-to-vote recommendations, which could affect key electorates.