5 November 1999

The Australian Electoral Commission reminds all electors that tomorrow is polling day for the 1999 referendum.

The Australian Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bill Gray said that at 8am over 7,700 polling places around Australia will open their doors for voting and will close at 6pm sharp.

Mr Gray said that it was compulsory that every elector on the electoral roll votes tomorrow if they hadn't already cast their vote in the weeks leading up to polling day.

"Electors are simply required to write the word 'Yes' or the word 'No' according to their preferences in the appropriate box on the ballot papers," Mr Gray said.

"For the majority of electors who will be casting their vote tomorrow, I urge them to avoid the rush period," he said.

An examination of voting trends at recent elections has shown that almost 60 percent of people voted between 9am and midday.

"During the morning, especially at popular polling places near major shopping centres, electors may have to queue," Mr Gray said.

"So the best time to vote without delay would be after lunch or during the early afternoon.

Mr Gray reminded electors however not to leave voting until the last minute.

"The doors to the polling places are shut at 6pm sharp. Electors inside at the time will be able to complete their vote but no one else will be able to enter to vote," he said.

Further information:

Mr Brien Hallett
Director Information
02 6271 4415

Ms Anthea Wilson
03 9285 7114
Assistant Director Information