March 19, 2020
The March 28 local government election date won’t be changed but voters now have more options.
Parliament has passed new laws to allow the Electoral Commission of Queensland to better respond to the latest expert advice on COVID-19 as it emerges.
The amendments mean the ECQ will be able to give directions about significant issues, including:
- How-to-vote cards and canvassing at polling booths;
- Flexibility around postal and telephone voting; and
- Options about the actual election date.
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam welcomed the State Government’s commitment to the March 28 elections but acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances.
“We continue to work in collaboration with the government throughout this evolving and challenging period for all sectors,” he said.
People are encouraged to take advantage of pre-polling with early voting centres remaining open until 9:00pm on Thursday.
For the first time, voting will be offered on Saturday, March 21, as well as on election day, March 28, between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
March 21 voting will be at the authorised pre-poll voting centres.
About 270,000 people have already cast a vote at pre-poll centres and 540,000 people have applied for a postal vote.
[UPDATED]
