Media Release 2009: Postal voters urged to return their vote in Bradfield by-election

Updated: 29 November 2010

30 November 2009

Bradfield electors voting by post in the by-election are being urged to return their completed ballot papers now, or consider voting at an early voting centre instead, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said today.

The Divisional Returning Officer for Bradfield, Yvonne Harrison, said "Time was running out to apply for and return a postal vote" and she encouraged Bradfield electors to first consider if they could vote at an early voting centre.

"Early voting centres are now open and will operate until Friday, 4 December 2009. To find the location and operating hours of the nearest early voting centre, visit the AEC website or call 13 23 26," Ms Harrison said.

"If you've applied for a postal vote you can still decide to vote at an early voting centre. Just return the unused postal voting materials to the AEC or destroy them.

"If voting by post is the only option, you can get a postal vote application form from the AEC website, any AEC office or Australia Post outlet in the Bradfield electorate or by calling 13 23 26, but you must send it back to the AEC immediately."

Electors who are voting by post must have their completed postal vote in the mail to the AEC so that it is postmarked no later than the date of the election. Alternatively, the completed postal vote be can delivered to any AEC Office, Early Voting Centre or Bradfield Polling Place prior to the close of the poll on election day on Saturday, 5 December 2009.

Electors are eligible for an early vote if they:

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

Election day for the Bradfield House of Representatives by-election is Saturday, 5 December 2009. Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over and enrolled in the electorate of Bradfield.

The by-election will be conducted using the same electoral boundaries for Bradfield as used at the 2007 federal election.

For more information on enrolment or the by-election visit our website or call the AEC on 13 23 26.

Media contacts

Keith Eaton
Manager Operations & Public Awareness, NSW State Office
Australian Electoral Commission
02 9375 6312
0412 269 720