Media Release 2008: Early voting begins in the Mayo by-election

Updated: 18 November 2010

18 August 2008

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) today urged Mayo electors who are going to be away from home on election day Saturday 6 September 2008, to make their vote count by voting early.

The Divisional Returning Officer for Mayo, Mr Peter Verkerk, said people who were going to be outside the Mayo electorate should vote now at an early voting centre or by post, as there would be no voting outside the electorate on election day*.

Early voting centres are now open and will operate until Friday 5 September 2008.

The early voting centres are located at:

In Mt Barker

Pope Nitschke Real Estate, 57A Gawler St (assisted wheelchair access available)

In Victor Harbor

Eyre House, 78 Ocean St (assisted wheelchair access available)

"Alternatively you can vote before election day at any AEC divisional office around Australia or by applying for a postal vote."

Mr Verkerk said postal vote application forms are available from the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au or at any AEC office or Australia Post outlet in the Mayo electorate.

"All postal voters must ensure their completed ballot papers are back in the mail to the AEC, or hand delivered to an AEC office, before election day Saturday 6 September 2008," he said.

Electors registered as General Postal Voters do not need to apply, as their ballot papers will be automatically sent to them.

Electors are eligible for an early vote if they:

  1. are more than 8km from a polling place
  2. are approaching childbirth
  3. have a serious illness or care for someone who is ill
  4. have religious beliefs that prevent them from attending a polling place on election day
  5. are working or travelling on election day.

Election day for the federal division of Mayo House of Representatives by-election is Saturday 6 September 2008. Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over, enrolled in the electorate of Mayo.

For more information on the Mayo by-election visit www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26.

* One exception applies: both early voting in person and voting on election day will be available at the AEC Divisional Office for the electorate of Lyne (NSW), due to the fact that a by-election will occur there on the same day.

Contact:
Paul Langtry
Public Awareness Officer S.A.
Ph: 08 8237 6582
Mob: 0413 452 532