Postal voters urged to return their vote in Lyne by-election
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is urging electors voting by post in the Lyne by-election to return their completed ballot papers without delay.
The Divisional Returning Officer for Lyne, Vicki Holman, said electors voting by post must make sure their completed ballot papers are back in the mail to the AEC, or hand delivered to an AEC office before election day, Saturday 6 September.
Time is running out for any elector who still intends to vote by post but hasn’t yet applied.
“At this late stage, I would encourage electors to first consider if they can vote at an early voting centre before applying for a postal vote.”
Early voting centre are open now and will operate until 6pm, Friday 5 September.
Ms Holman said if an elector has applied for a postal vote, they can still consider the simpler alternative voting in person at an early voting centre.
“If you decide to vote at an early voting centre after applying for a postal vote, you must either return the unused postal voting materials to the AEC or destroy them,” she said.
The early voting centres are located at:
| Location/Address | Operating Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
Shop 3, 17 Short St |
1 – 3 September |
8.30am – 5.30pm |
139 Victoria St TAREE |
||
AEC Divisional Office |
Operating dates and opening hours are the same for both locations. There are no voting facilities available at the early voting centres listed above for the NSW Local Council Elections being held on Saturday 13 September 2008.
“If voting by post is the only option, you can get a postal vote application form at www.aec.gov.au, any AEC office or Australia Post outlet or by calling 13 23 26, but you must send it back to the AEC immediately.”
Electors who are voting by post must have their completed ballot papers in the mail to the AEC, or hand-delivered to an AEC office, before election day on Saturday 6 September 2008.
Electors are eligible for an early vote if on election day they will be interstate or overseas; more than 8km from a polling place; approaching childbirth; seriously ill or caring for someone who is; or unable to attend a polling place due to religious beliefs, disability or work commitments.
Election day for the federal division of Lyne House of Representatives by-election is Saturday 6 September 2008.Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over and enrolled in the electorate of Lyne.
For more information on the Lyne by-election visit www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26.
Contact:
Peita Mamo,
Manager Public Awareness
P: 02 9375 6313
M: 0412 269 720
