It's unofficially official. Australia is likely to head to the polls in 2022 to vote in a federal election. While anything can happen before then, potential first-time voters can get in early and enrol to vote, but how do you do it? Guardian Australia's Matilda Boseley is here to walk you through the process and potentially save your wallet from a $20 fine when election time rolls around. | Guardian Australia

When you’re filling out your Senate ballot paper on election day, there are two ways you can go about it: above the line, or below the line. But what’s the difference? And does it really matter? Voting below the line allows voters to select individual candidates and their order, rather than just voting by party above the line. Matilda Boseley explains why this is important for voters with strong feelings about certain candidates, in the latest episode of Guardian Australia's Voting 101 series ht

If you have never voted before, consider Matilda Boseley your guide on election day or if you're planning on voting early. You can visit the Australian Electoral Commission website (https://www.aec.gov.au/) to find a polling station near you. The AEC website will also show where the limited number of places that are open for early voting. Election day is on Saturday 21 May and polling booths will be open from 8am until 6pm Support the Guardian ► https://support.theguardian.com/contribute Website