1902 Commonwealth Franchise Act

The 1902 Commonwealth Franchise Act was a law that determined who could vote in federal elections in Australia. It mainly granted voting rights to Australian women over 21, making Australia one of the first countries to do so. However, it excluded Indigenous Australians, non-European residents, and some others from voting rights. This act standardized voting eligibility across the country, based on gender and certain criteria, laying the foundation for Australia’s democratic processes. It reflected the social attitudes of the time and marked a significant step toward gender equality in Australian politics.