Media Release 2005: Early voting begins in the Werriwa by-election

7 March 2005

It is easy for people to have their say in the by-election if they are unable to get to their local polling place on election day, Saturday 19 March 2005.

Electors are eligible to make an early vote in person or by post if on election day they:

• will be outside the division of Werriwa,
• are approaching childbirth,
• are seriously ill or caring for someone who is unable to attend a polling place, or
• unable to attend a polling place due to religious beliefs, disability or work commitments.

"Early voting will be available until Friday 18 March, the day before the election," said the Divisional Returning Officer for Werriwa, Ms Karen Houston.

The early voting centres in the Division of Werriwa are:

Location Operating dates Operating hours

INGLEBURN

Uniting Church Hall

cnr Oxford & Cumberland Roads

Monday 7 – Friday 11 March

Saturday 12 March

Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 March

Thursday 17 March

Friday 18 March

9am – 5pm

9am – 4pm

9am – 5pm

9am – 8pm

9am – 6pm

CAMPBELLTOWN

Shop 3, City Arcade

166 Queen Street

Saturday 12 March

Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 March

Thursday 17 March

Friday 18 March

9am – 4pm

9am – 5pm

9am – 8pm

9am – 6pm

LIVERPOOL

Fowler divisional office

2nd Floor, 224 George Street

Saturday 12 March

9am – 4pm

Early votes can also be made in person at any AEC divisional office in Australia, weekdays 9am – 5pm.

Postal vote application forms are available from any post office in the Division of Werriwa, AEC offices, from the AEC website or by calling 13 23 26.

"Completed ballot papers must be in the mail back to the AEC by Friday 18 March to be counted.

"Don't forget, if you're an Australian citizen, 18 years or older living in the Division of Werriwa, then you need to vote, in fact it is compulsory that you do," said Ms Houston.

"The maximum penalty for not voting is $50."

For more information on the Werriwa by-election, call 13 23 26.

Further information contact

Karen Houston

Divisional Returning Officer for Werriwa

Ph: 02 4627 1156

Susan Gibb

Manager, Public Awareness

Australian Electoral Commission

Ph: 02 9375 6318

Mob: 0413 274 800

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