26 October 1999

Voters who will be away from home on 6 November, voting day for the republic referendum, will still be able to vote. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) provides a number of services to voters to make sure everyone has the chance to have their say.

"We're here to help,"said the Australian Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bill Gray, "and we are confident that, whatever your circumstances, we will find a way of letting you exercise your democratic right,"

"If you are going to be away from home but still in your own state on referendum day you can simply drop into to any polling place and ask for an absent vote," Mr Gray said.

However, if you are going to be out of your home state, or if there is some reason why you can't get to a polling place, on 6 November you can either cast a pre-poll vote NOW at any AEC Divisional Office or at special pre-poll centres. Or, if it is more convenient, you can arrange for a postal vote.

Electors are eligible for a pre-poll or postal vote if they:

• live more than 8km from a polling place;
• will be travelling interstate or overseas on or before 3 October;
• are approaching motherhood;
• are seriously ill or taking care of someone who is;
• have religious beliefs which prohibit voting on polling day; or
• are unable to leave work on polling day.

Pre-poll voting will be available from today at AEC Divisional Offices and at special pre-poll centres during normal weekday business hours. Electors are able to cast a pre-poll vote up until the Friday before polling day.

Postal vote application forms are available from any AEC Office or Post Office or by ringing the AEC on 13 23 26.

Mr Gray said that it was important that people voting by post have their completed ballot papers in the mail to the AEC before polling day.

"Under electoral law postal votes must be posted before polling day if they are to be included in the count," Mr Gray said.

Further information:

Mr Brien Hallett 02 6271 4415
Ms Anthea Wilson 03 9285 7114