Media Release 2005: AEC working to ensure every vote counts in the Werriwa by-election

3 March 2005

Representatives from the Australian Electoral Commission will address a specially convened meeting of local community leaders in the division of Werriwa next week providing important information on voting in the Werriwa by-election.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 March at the Macarthur Diversity Services Inc. office in Campbelltown.

"The meeting is part of the AEC's ongoing commitment to provide all Australian citizens with an understanding of the electoral process," said Australian Electoral Officer for NSW, Mr David Farrell.

Statistics show that many of the electors living in the division of Werriwa are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Invited to attend the meeting are key ethnic and general community leaders and representatives from key service providers in the community.

"With 16 candidates nominated for the Werriwa by-election, it is important electors remember they must number every box on the ballot paper to make sure their vote is counted," said Mr Farrell.

"We will also be gently reminding electors that it is compulsory to vote at by-elections or they may be fined."

The maximum penalty for not voting is $50.

"We don't want any elector to forget to vote or have to pay a fine for not voting," said Mr Farrell.

The community meeting provides an opportunity to discuss possible reasons for the high informal voting figures and identify strategies to reduce these figures.

Further information contact:

Susan Gibb

Manager, Public Awareness

Australian Electoral Commission

Ph: 02 9375 6318

Mob: 0407 208 241

Voting is compulsory. Election day is Saturday 19 March 2005.