The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has announced the 2020 Local Council elections are set to enjoy a record turnout.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said around 3.2 million ballot envelopes (75 per cent) were received by close of business on Tuesday (28 October) and ballots would continue to be accepted until 12pm today (30 October).
Mr Gately said the previous record average return rate of 75.19 per cent was in 2005.
“Processing the larger number of returns has meant the extraction of ballot papers from envelopes in preparation for counting or computer data entry, is slower than anticipated in some areas,” Mr Gately said.
“We must also ensure strict adherence to our COVIDSafe plan to maintain the health and wellbeing of our staff and scrutineers and this is also slowing the process,” he said.
“I ask all election participants to be patient as the wellbeing of our people and the accuracy of the process must remain the prime considerations over a rushed result.”
Mr Gately said the target to complete all counting and the declaration of all results was still 13 November.
He asked all participating election scrutineers to abide by the COVIDSafe arrangements and directions from the Election Manager during counting operations.
“Non-compliance and bad behaviour will not be tolerated,” Mr Gately said.
The VEC said election results would start to appear on its website from Monday (2 November).
