John Schmidt, NSW Electoral Commissioner, has encouraged voters to take advantage of early voting options ahead of the local council elections on Saturday, December 4, with applications for postal voting already open and in-person voting underway.
“Voters can plan when, where and how they’ll vote using information available on the NSW Electoral Commission website at elections.nsw.gov.au,” he said.
“Whether it’s their nearest polling place, candidate information or options for voting early, NSW voters can find everything they need to know at our website with a quick search of their enrolled address.”
Mr Schmidt says that for the first time, all voters are eligible to vote in person during the early voting (pre-poll) period and that in another first, iVote internet and telephone voting would be available at local government elections for electors meeting strict eligibility criteria.
“We know Covid-19 has been driving people to consider their voting options. Voter safety is paramount, as is ensuring every eligible voter in NSW has a chance to have their voice heard,” he said.
“All polling places will be run in line with Covid-safe election guidelines including mask wearing and physical distancing. Voters can bring their own pens and must check in using the Service NSW QR codes, and follow any NSW Health advice.”
Early voting centres will operate until Friday, December 3. Voters are reminded absentee voting is not available at local government elections, and they must vote in their local government area or ward.
Mr Schmidt says voting is compulsory for all enrolled electors and there are penalties for not voting.
“I encourage all voters to ‘be vote ready’ and consider their options ahead of December 4,” he said.
