Make sure your vote counts in the Mayo by-election
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is reminding electors in the Mayo by-election to number every box on the ballot paper they receive on election day, Saturday, 6 September.
The Divisional Returning Officer for Mayo, Mr Peter Verkerk, said people can vote from 8am to 6pm at any of the 79 polling places in the Mayo electorate on election day.
To find the polling place nearest to you, you can go to AEC website at www.aec.gov.au or phone the AEC on 13 23 26. The list of polling places with full or assisted disabled access is available at www.aec.gov.au or by calling 13 23 26. Electors will not be able to vote outside the Mayo electorate on election day, except in the Division of Lyne Office in New South Wales, where a by-election is also being held.
“I urge electors to carefully read the instructions on the green ballot paper. You must number every box on the ballot paper from 1 to 11, and make sure no numbers are repeated or any box is left blank,” he said.
“Polling officials are available at every polling place to assist electors, and if you do make a mistake, just ask a polling official for another ballot paper.”
Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over, who are enrolled in the electorate of Mayo.
Mr Verkerk also reminded electors that while political parties or candidates may suggest to their supporters to vote in a particular way, it is entirely up to electors to decide where their preferences go when completing the ballot paper.
Electors, especially those voting for the first time, can visit the online ‘How to vote practice tool’ at www.aec.gov.au to practice how to complete the ballot paper before election day.
For more information on the Mayo by-election, visit www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26.
Contact:
Paul Langtry
Public Awareness Officer S.A.
Ph: 08 8237 6582
Mob: 0413 452 532
