SA election 2022: Covid changes expected to delay results

The results of the March state election may be delayed for “several days” after polls close, as authorities reveal how Covid-positive and close contacts can vote.

The results of the March state election may be delayed for “several days” after polls close, as authorities grapple with an expected surge in pre-polling and postal votes.

Electoral Commissioner Mick Sherry on Tuesday unveiled a raft of Covid-safe measures for the March 19 election, declaring the plan a “unique solution that has not been implemented anywhere in Australia before”.

However, Mr Sherry said an anticipated influx of pre-polling and postal votes, which could only be counted after polls closed on March 19, would likely mean the outcome of the election would be delayed.

“We may not know the result of the election for several days after (election day),” he said.

About 18,000 people have already applied for a postal vote this election, compared to 4000 at the same time last election.

Just over 120,000 people, or 10.8 per cent of all voters, cast their votes early ahead of the 2018 election and even more are expected to attend pre-polling places this year.

Electoral Commissioner of South Australia Mick Sherry.

Meanwhile, Mr Sherry has outlined how isolating Covid-positive cases, close contacts and those with symptoms will be able to have their say during the election.

He said they would be able to apply for a postal vote up until March 17. After this date, they will be able to register online and pick up ballot packs at 22 PCR testing or RAT collection sites across the state until election day.

Once their ballot papers have been filled in, they will be permitted to leave home to post their forms while still in isolation, in a system that differs from a previous suggestion for drive-through polling booths.

Ballot papers must be completed by 6pm and those submitting their votes via these means will be required to sign a declaration confirming their forms were filled in by the deadline.

“It’s safe to say this will be one of the most complex and challenging state elections,” Mr Sherry said.

“(But) we have every confidence that South Australians can vote safely in the 2022 state election.”

Among the Covid-safe measures is an increase in the number of early voting centres from 22 to 37.

“All polling booths will have socially distanced queues, sanitisation stations, mandatory mask-wearing, single-use pencils, fully vaccinated electoral officials and hygiene and density control officers in place,” Mr Sherry said.

Earlier this month, concerns were raised that thousands of people may not be able to exercise their right to vote on polling day due to Covid rules, which required those who test positive to remain in isolation for 10 days.

The matter prompted calls for state parliament to be urgently recalled to resolve the matter.

A majority of Lower House MPs – 25 of them – gathered in parliament last Wednesday in a bid to convince Premier Steven Marshall to recall the house.

The MPs said they stood ready to pass legislation that would have allowed Covid-positive cases and close contacts to vote over the phone.

The protest failed to persuade Mr Marshall, who said even if the Bill passed there was not enough time to implement phone voting for Covid-affected constituents.