Media Release 2001: Ways to Have Your Say at Election 2001

31 October 2001

There are a number of easy ways to have your say at Election 2001 if you are unable to get to your local polling place on polling day.

The Australian Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker, said today if people were in their home State or Territory, but could not get to their local polling place in their Division, they could cast an Absent Vote at any polling place in their State or Territory.

If people are interstate on polling day they can vote before polling day, or on polling day at special voting centres. Or people can apply for a postal vote.

Mr Becker said people could be eligible for a postal vote, or a pre-poll vote if they were working, approaching motherhood, ill, travelling, living more than 8km from a polling place, had religious beliefs or a disability that prevented them from attending a polling place on polling day.

People could only vote before polling day if they were eligible for a pre-poll or postal vote.

Pre-poll voting is available now at special pre-poll centres and AEC Divisional Offices. Postal Vote Application forms are available from any Post Office, AEC Office or from the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au.

Completed ballot papers being returned to the AEC must be in the mail by Friday, 9 November 2001.

For more information contact the AEC on 13 23 26 or visit the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au.

Further Information:

Brien Hallett
Asst Commissioner Information & Research
Ph. (02) 6271 4477
Mobile 0413 274 798

Anthea Wilson
Director Information
Ph. (02) 6271 4415
Mobile 0413 452 539