The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has released a new COVIDSafe election plan, following confirmation that Local Council elections are set to proceed in October as originally scheduled.
The VEC said it had monitored Government advice in developing its COVIDSafe election plan, which puts additional measures in place to safely manage the Victorian Local Council elections being held by post.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately reassured Victorians that postal voting was safe and of high integrity.
“The situation remains dynamic and the VEC continues to actively monitor conditions and restrictions,” Mr Gately said.
“Additional measures in place include increased distancing in election offices, limiting face-to-face contact, enforcing mask wearing where mandated by the Victorian Government, and moving operational activity online whenever possible,” he said.
“Measures to further safeguard voters and VEC staff include the removal of counter service for replacement ballot packs and unenrolled votes for these elections; requests can be made over the phone and replacement packs will be sent by mail.”
Mr Gately said voters would still be able to hand deliver completed ballot papers to the election office if they missed the mail collection times and strict social distancing measures would be in place.
He said information sessions for candidates would be moved online.
“It’s also expected that additional social distancing during vote counting activities will delay the declaration of results for some elections by at least one week to Friday 13 November,” he said.
Mr Gately said the situation was fluid and may require the VEC to adapt further to the evolving environment.
