In a federal election and state or territorial election does the governor-general have to vote?

Great question, thanks John! As an Australian citizen over the age of 18, the Governor-General is required by law to have their name on the electoral role and to vote. By convention – tradition — the Governor-General does not vote. The Governor-General or his Official Secretary writes to the Electoral Commissioner to confirm that the Governor-General won't vote and this is accepted.

A white hand is putting a green piece of paper in a white box labelled 'House of Representatives/GREEN/Ballot Papers'

Casting a vote for the House of Representatives.

Australian Electoral Commission

Casting a vote for the House of Representatives.

A white hand is putting a green piece of paper in a white box labelled 'House of Representatives/GREEN/Ballot Papers'

Australian Electoral Commission

Description

A green ballot paper is put into a ballot box labelled 'House of Representatives/GREEN/Ballot Papers'.