FOR those unable to vote on election day, early voting centres are now open.
Early voting centres began opening on Tuesday, April 22, and are only to be used by those who cannot make it to a voting center on election day, Saturday, May 3.
These early voting centres will open progressively across the nation up until Friday, May 2.
In a statement, Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said that it is anticipated half of the country’s voters will opt for an early vote – this means voting at an early voting centre, or by postal and/or mobile voting.
Acting electoral commissioner Jeff Pope said he encourages all voters to consider their circumstances and plan when and where they’ll vote.
“The bulk of our work still happens on election day, but for a variety of reasons it’s clear from past elections that more Australians are needing to access early voting options,” Mr Pope said.
“Just over half of all voters cast an early vote, including a postal vote in 2022, and we expect that number to be similar this year.
“No matter whether you’re in remote Australia or on the other side of the world, the AEC is pulling out all the stops to reach you.”
Mr Pope said Australian elections are very unique for the amount of voting options available.
“In many democracies around the world people have just a single location and single day to cast their vote,” he said.
Broken Hill’s early voting centre is located at the PCYC Broken Hill, 58 Gypsum Sreet.
It is closed Anzac Day, and re-opens Saturday, April 26, 9am–4pm, and then Monday, April 28 until Thursday, May 1, 8.30am–5.30pm, and Friday, May 2, 8.30am–6pm.
This centre is also open on election day from 8am until 6pm.
To find more election day voting locations, go to https://www.aec.gov.au/
