{
  "id": 19452979,
  "title": "Early voting in Victoria opens next week — here's what to know",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/early-voting-in-victoria-opens-next-week-heres-what-to-know",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T05:33:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-11/victorian-election-early-voting-postal-voting-november-28/107242694"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Victoria's early voting period begins November 18 and runs through November 27, allowing millions of residents an opportunity to cast their ballots before the upcoming 2026 state election on November 28. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel encouraged eligible Victorians to participate, emphasizing voting as both a right and a privilege in allowing citizens to influence their future. The privilege of voting is available to Australian citizens aged 18 and above living in Victoria. Each voter can access an early voting centre during its daily open hours from 9am to 6pm, except for Sunday November 22. To find the nearest early voting centre, residents can refer to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website, which also provides site accessibility details. Early voting is open to all, including those with disabilities, who can opt for telephone-assisted voting or braille voting. Any voter needing assistance can bring a trusted person to help complete their ballot paper. Record checks are conducted post-election; those who fail to vote without a valid reason may receive an infringement notice, with the penalty now set at $105.",
  "summary": "More Victorians are opting to vote early ahead of the November 28 state election. Here's how.",
  "key_points": [
    "Early voting in Victoria starts November 18 and ends November 27",
    "Eligible voters include Australian citizens aged 18 and above",
    "Assistance available for voters with disabilities and those needing help"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Expanding access through diverse voting methods and extended periods provides citizens more flexibility to fulfill their legal obligations and influence the upcoming state election outcome.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}