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.

Crowd standing outside a polling place to vote in 1899 referendum.

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

Crowd standing outside a polling place to vote in 1899 referendum.

State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589

Description

A black and white photograph taken in 1899 of a group of  people – mostly men, although there are some women and children (and a dog). They are gathered around the entrance of a polling booth, a sign above the entrance to the building reads 'Polling Booth Brisbane North'. Two constables stand at the door. The polling booth is set up for voters to have their say in a referendum on whether they approve the draft Australian Constitution.