Media Release 1998: Vote Before You Holiday

Updated: 3 September 2010

21 September 1998

Schools nearly out! Now that the holidays are nearly here there is one important thing to remember to do before you go away – that is to vote.

The Australian Electoral Officer for the Australian Capital Territory, Mr William Hogan, said that as the 3 October poll would fall during the school holidays and on a long weekend, some electors may not be at home on polling day.

"If you are going to be away from home on 3 October the Australian Electoral Commission is here to help you have your say before your go."

Eligible electors can cast a pre-poll vote NOW at the special pre-poll centres listed below, or electors can arrange a postal vote.

Electors are eligible for a pre-poll or postal vote if they:

  • live more than 8km from a polling place;
  • will be travelling interstate or overseas on or before 3 October;
  • are approaching motherhood;
  • are seriously ill or taking care of someone who is;
  • have religious beliefs which prohibit voting on polling day; or
  • are unable to leave work on polling day.

Pre-poll voting will be available from today at special pre-poll centres during normal weekday business hours. Electors are able to cast a pre-poll vote up until the Friday before polling day.

Pre-Poll Centre Addresses

Pilgrim House
69 Northbourne Ave, Civic

Woden PPVC
Ground Floor
Borrowdale House
Woden Town Square

Tuggeranong Churches Centre
Cnr Anketell and Reed Sts
Tuggeranong

Canberra Revival Centre
12 Chandler Street
Belconnen

Postal vote application forms are available from any AEC Office or Post Office or by ringing the AEC on 13 23 26.

Mr Hogan said that it was important that people voting by post have their completed ballot papers in the mail to the AEC before polling day.

"Under electoral law, the AEC must wait up to 13 days for postal votes to be received before counting can be finalised," he said. "In very close seats these postal votes can be crucial to the final result."

Further information:

Brien Hallett
Director Information
Ph. (02) 6271 4415

Bernadette O'Meara
Assistant Director Information
Ph. (02) 6271 4548