Early voting for federal election begins next week
Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ian Campbell said today that early voting in the federal election would commence next week.
“The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will declare all candidates tomorrow at 12noon Friday 2 November, following the close of nominations today.”
“Ballot papers will be printed over the weekend enabling voting to commence next week for people entitled to have an early vote,” Mr Campbell said.
Australians are only eligible to vote early (at an Early Voting Centre or by postal vote) if on election day they will be unable to get to a polling place in their home State or Territory. Reasons for this could include being interstate or overseas; more than 8km from a polling place; approaching childbirth; seriously ill or caring for someone who is; or unable to attend a polling place due to religious beliefs, disability or work commitments.
Locations and operating hours of Early Voting Centres will be available at www.aec.gov.au or by calling 13 23 26 from Monday 5 November.
“Electors who have already applied for a postal vote for the 2007 federal election will begin to receive their ballot papers from next week,” Mr Campbell said.
“As the postal voting process takes some time, eligible electors who need to vote by post and haven’t yet applied, should do so without delay.”
Postal vote application forms are available at www.aec.gov.au, by calling 13 23 26 or at any AEC office or Australia Post outlet.
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