Can a referendum or plebiscite be held at the same time as a federal election?

Generally speaking, yes. These different types of votes could be held at the same time.

In fact, since 1901 there have been 8 times when referendums were held at the same time as a federal election. These dates are:

  • 12 December 1906
  • 13 April 1910
  • 31 May 1913
  • 13 December 1919
  • 17 November 1928
  • 28 September 1946
  • 18 May 1974
  • 1 December 1984.

To date, there has not been a plebiscite held at the same time as a federal election in Australia.

A black and white photograph of people standing outside a polling place.

People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899.

State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589

People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899.

A black and white photograph of people standing outside a polling place.

State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589

Description

A black and white photograph of a group of men, women and children (and a dog) gathered around the entrance of a low building. A sign reads 'Polling Booth Brisbane North'.