10 March 2005

Electors are to number every box on the green ballot paper to ensure their vote is counted in the Werriwa by-election on Saturday, 19 March 2005.

Divisional Returning Officer for Werriwa, Ms Karen Houston said it is very important every elector fills in their ballot paper correctly or their vote is wasted.

As there are 16 candidates at this election, voters must number all the boxes from one (1) to sixteen (16).

“No ticks or crosses should be used, check to make sure no numbers repeated and don’t leave any squares blank,” Ms Houston said.

The instructions on how to fill in the ballot paper are written clearly on the top of each ballot paper and polling officials are available to assist electors at all polling places.

Ms Houston encouraged all electors to take the time to make sure they filled in their House of Representatives ballot paper correctly, by numbering all 16 squares.

It is up to every elector to decide the order they number all 16 candidates on the ballot paper.

“Candidates or parties may advise their supporters to vote in a particular manner, but electors have the final say when filling in their ballot papers,” said Ms Houston.

Ms Houston said a leaflet has been mailed to every household in the Division of Werriwa explaining where and how to vote correctly.

“Don’t forget, if you’re an Australian citizen, 18 years or older and 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.”

Polling places will be open on election day from 8am – 6pm. To find the location of your nearest polling place visit the AEC website www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 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.