The Australian Electoral Commission has issued a timely reminder about postal vote applications as the Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum draws near.

The referendum is set for 14 October after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the date at a Yes campaign event in Adelaide last week.

As per referendum laws, postal vote applications are not yet open, with applications only opened after a writ is issued to the AEC.

"This means that the latest that postal vote applications will open is 6pm on Monday 11 September," the AEC said.

The AEC said individuals should only apply if they are unable to attend an in-person voting centre.

"Postal vote applications will close at 6pm on Wednesday 11 October – providing, at a minimum, a full month for people to apply for a postal vote if they cannot make it in person."

Voters will be able to attend one of thousands of polling places across the country between 8am and 6pm on referendum day, with hundreds of early voting centres available in the two week early voting period.

Additionally, mobile voting and in-person voting centres will be in place overseas.

The AEC also said it is aware some people have received postal vote applications, or links to online postal vote applications, in the mail from third parties such as political parties.

Although this is legal and is a regular occurrence at all elections and referendums, the AEC is encouraging voters who need a postal vote to apply directly through the AEC's website instead.

"Applying for a postal vote directly through the AEC's website means a ballot paper will be able to be posted out quicker," the AEC said.

"The AEC also operates under the Privacy Act and postal vote applications involve the disclosure of personal details."