25 August 2008

Thousands of people are expected to take advantage of early voting leading up to the 2008 local government elections on Saturday, 13 September.

“Postal and pre-poll voting will be very popular this year because there is no absentee voting in local government elections,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry.

“That means people who will be out of their council area, interstate or overseas on Election Day should arrange for a postal or pre-poll vote so they can exercise their democratic right and to also avoid a fine for not voting.”

Applications for postal voting will remain open until 5pm on Monday, 8 September. The actual ballot papers must be returned by 6pm on Monday 15 September in order to be counted.

“Electors, particularly those in isolated areas are encouraged to apply as soon as possible in order to avoid any delays in postal delivery that could render their vote invalid,” Mr Barry said.

Pre-poll voting commences at pre-poll centres on Monday, 1 September and concludes at 6pm on Friday, 12 September. Election officials will also visit ‘declared institutions’ such as nursing homes and hospitals in the week preceding the election to assist the elderly or infirmed with early voting.

“In order to cast a valid vote, residents or patients must be enrolled in the local government area where the institution is located or make a postal vote if they are enrolled elsewhere.”

The NSWEC is reminding postal voters to return their applications directly to a Returning Officer rather than to candidates or political parties who may have sent them a form.

“Only the NSW Electoral Commission can provide ballot papers to electors. The quickest way to receive your ballot paper and postal voting material is to apply for your postal vote directly to your Returning Officer.”

Information on eligibility for early voting is available at www.elections.nsw.gov.au. Postal vote applications can be downloaded from our website, obtained from your local Returning Office, local council or by calling 1300 135 736. Pre-poll centre locations are also available online at the NSWEC website.

Media Contact: Adrian Kerr, NSW Electoral Commission

(02) 9290 5954  adrian.kerr@elections.nsw.gov.au