Aussies vote as Pope death shadows vigour

Australians began voting on Tuesday in the general elections as campaigning was overshadowed by the death of Pope Francis.

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Polling stations opened to voters who, for a variety of reasons, will be unable to vote on 3 May. Around half the votes are expected to be cast before the election date.

Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton cancelled campaign events planned for Tuesday out of respect for the late pontiff.