The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) is encouraging the community to vote early in the State election.
The Commission says there are 200 early voting centres across Queensland and they will all be in operation until 30 October.
Electoral Commissioner, Pat Vidgen said two weeks of extended early voting across Queensland, combined with sensible health measures implemented in polling booths, were part of the ECQ’s commitment to delivering a COVID-safe election.
“The ECQ wants all electors who are voting in person to have a streamlined and COVID-safe voting experience,” Mr Vidgen said.
“There are some very simple and proven steps we can all take to ensure voting is done easily and safely.”
He said electors should plan the way they’ll have their say.
“This means thinking about their vote before they get to the polling booth, bringing their Voter Information Card if they have one, staying 1.5 metres apart when voting, using hand sanitiser, and bringing a pen or pencil if they wish,” Mr Vidgen said.
“The ECQ is employing queue management staff and has designed polling booths to create an efficient voting experience.”
He said the ECQ had directed that the distribution of how-to-vote cards would be allowed, however campaign workers would need to comply with social distancing guidelines and hygiene standards and not re-use how-to-vote cards.
Mr Vidgen reiterated that it was the voter’s choice about whether they took how-to-vote cards being distributed by any campaign worker.
“Many early voting centres are open from 9am to 6pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; from 9am to 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9am to 5pm on Saturday 24 October,” he said.
“Making voting available on the Saturday before Election Day is happening for the very first time for a Queensland General Election.”
He noted that nearly half of all electors chose early voting in the March Local Government election.
