The ACT election period has officially begun, marking the commencement of the ACT Government’s caretaker period.
ACT Electoral Commissioner, Damian Cantwell said the implementation of COVID-19 safety measures and an extended voting period would mean this year’s election is to be different.
“At this year’s election we have tripled the availability of early voting services and are encouraging everyone to vote early and vote safely,” Mr Cantwell said.
“All enrolled Canberrans may cast a vote at any voting location in the ACT, at any time during the three-week voting period – starting on Monday 28 September,” he said.
“We’ve consulted closely with the ACT Chief Health Officer regarding the delivery of this election and the extended voting period is just one of many measures designed to uphold appropriate social distancing and hygiene requirements.”
Mr Cantwell said 15 early voting centres would be open every day from 28 September to 16 October and 82 polling places would be open on the final day of the voting period (17 October).
He said with more than 99 per cent enrolment, the ACT had the most complete electoral roll in the country.
“The completeness of the ACT electoral roll is once again the national benchmark and recent legislative change means that the small number of people who are not yet enrolled can do so right up to, and on, the final day of voting,” he said.
“While for this election you can enrol at the polling location, enrolling online ahead of time is a more efficient and COVID safe process,” Mr Cantwell said.
