History of Voting Rights

Women granted voting rights

1899

Voting rights granted but not a seat in Parliament

Plural voting was abolished for the Legislative Assembly

1904

Previously, the law had permitted electors
to vote in any Legislative Assembly district in which
they had satisfied certain residential property
requirements. Some electors had been able to
cast as many as 30 votes in one general election.
This change meant that an elector was restricted to
one vote in one Legislative Assembly district.

Modifications for Legislative Council electors were introduced

1911

It was to require the possession of freehold
property worth at least £50 ($4900 AUD in
today's money) and leasehold or householder
qualifications of £17 ($1600 AUD in todays money)
annual value.

Compulsory enrolment was introduced for Legislative Assembly elections

1919

Voting was made compulsory for Legislative Assembly elections

1936

Citizens were subject to a fine if
they did not cast a vote and a ‘valid, truthful and
sufficient reason’ was not provided.

Voting rights were granted to Aboriginal people with voluntary enrolment

1962

Restricted adult franchise was removed for electors to the Legislative Council

1963

Removed with the abolition of property qualifications. Plural voting was also abolished with enrolment and voting being made compulsory for the Legislative Council.

The minimum age for voters was reduced from 21 years to 18 years

1970

Enrolment and voting was made compulsory for all eligible citizens

1982