when is the state election in victoria
Quick Answer
The next Victorian state election is scheduled for Saturday, 28 November 2026.
When Victorian State Elections Are Held
Under Victoria’s Electoral Act 2002 , state elections are held every four years on the last Saturday in November. This fixed schedule helps voters plan ahead and gives parties, candidates, and the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) a clear timeline to prepare.
- Election cycle: Every 4 years
- Usual timing: Last Saturday in November
- Next election date: 28 November 2026
What’s at Stake in the 2026 Election
The 2026 Victorian state election will elect the 61st Parliament of Victoria , including:
- All 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly (Lower House)
- All 40 seats in the Legislative Council (Upper House)
This means the entire state parliament is up for renewal, making it a high- stakes contest that could reshape the government, opposition, and balance of power in the Upper House.
Why This Election Is Getting So Much Attention
Political commentators are calling the November 2026 Victorian election one of the most significant state contests in recent Australian history. A few reasons it’s trending:
- Shifting polling: Recent polls show the ALP slipping to third place on primary votes in some surveys, behind One Nation and the Liberal–National Coalition.
- One Nation surge: Some polling has One Nation around the high‑20s to low‑30s in primary support, which could dramatically change preference flows and who forms government.
- National implications: Because of Victoria’s size and the unusual polling dynamics, analysts say the result could influence national political strategy and narratives heading into the next federal election.
Leadership Context Heading Into Late 2026
As of mid‑2026, Premier Jacinta Allan (Labor) has publicly pushed back against leadership speculation, saying she is “all in” on leading Labor into the election. At the same time, internal party discontent and tough polling have fueled ongoing discussion about Labor’s prospects and strategy.
Practical Details for Voters (What to Expect)
On election day, the VEC runs voting centres across the state. Key points from recent VEC guidance:
- Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026
- Hours: 8 am–6 pm on election day
- Where: You can vote at any voting centre in Victoria, not just your local one.
- Enrolment: If you’ve moved or never enrolled, you’ll need to update your details with the VEC before the close of rolls.
The VEC also runs information sessions for candidates and parties in the months leading up to the election to explain rules, timelines, and processes.
Mini Timeline (2026)
Based on typical cycles and 2026 reporting:
- Early–mid 2026: Polling and political positioning intensify; internal party debates and leadership questions surface.
- Mid‑2026: Election information and candidate guidance ramps up via the VEC.
- Late November 2026: Election day on Saturday, 28 November.
TL;DR
- Next Victorian state election: Saturday, 28 November 2026.
- Held every 4 years on the last Saturday in November.
- Elects all 88 Lower House seats and all 40 Upper House seats.
- Currently attracting intense national attention due to unusual polling and a strong One Nation showing.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.