Media Release 2001: Aston By-Election: The Count Continues

19 July 2001

Counting of votes for the Aston By-Election has concluded for the day. A total of 1 280 pre-poll votes and 466 postal votes were counted.

The fresh count of all votes counted on polling night is also now complete.

The results at the close of counting today are attached.

Although most votes have now been counted, there are still some processes to be completed next week. These include the counting of provisional votes. These are votes that are cast in the polling places on polling day by people who are not on the official electoral roll but claim that they are entitled to vote. These votes are assessed individually by the Divisional Returning Officer for entitlement.

Because the Commonwealth Electoral Act allows 13 days for the receipt of postal votes, there may still be some counting of this type of vote up until Friday 27 July 2001.

In addition, there is the process of the full distribution of preferences. This process does not change the number of votes, but simply shows the flow of preferences. This full distribution of preferences is conducted for each vote type (ordinary, postal, pre-poll and provisional) and takes about a week to complete.

Results for the Aston by-election can be found on the AEC website, www.aec.gov.au/aston

Further Information

Toni Tosti
Information Officer
Phone: 03 9285 7132
Mobile: 0413 271 192