ECQ website crashes as thousands sign up for postal votes amid coronavirus crisis

Queensland’s local government elections are still set to proceed on March 28, but the minister responsible warns this could change.

MILLIONS of Queenslanders are still expected to head to the polls for the March 28 local government elections, but the State Government has warned this could change.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe this afternoon said the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer was that the election did not need to be delayed.

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But Mr Hinchliffe also warned circumstances may change in the future as they respond to the “best and most current health advice”.

“We will always act on the latest expert advice and will continue to seek updates,” he said.

“Based on current advice, local government elections will be held on Saturday March 28 and applications for postal votes will close at 7pm.

“That’s not to say things may not change in the future.”

The Electoral Commission of Queensland has already received tens of thousands of phone and internet inquiries this morning about the poll, as early voting opened today across the state.

Mr Hinchliffe urged voters to be patient with the ECQ, describing it as “extraordinary times”.

“Conversations are being held about volunteer staffing at polling booths, how-to-vote cards, postal vote supplies and how to best address the needs of vulnerable people, including the elderly and people living with disabilities,” he said.

“Early voting stations have opened at about 150 sites across Queensland and more information is available on the ECQ website.”

People trying to access the page that allows for online registration ahead of the 7pm cut-off have been met with an error page today, although the page was back up this afternoon.

An ECQ spokesman urged people to continue trying as the website tried to cope with the extraordinary demand.

Pre poll voting in Townsville for the Council election. Glynn Hagstrom 80, wears a face mask while waiting for COVID-19 test results. Picture: Alix Sweeney

But Queensland Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said tonight’s deadline could not be extended due to legislative stipulations.

He said more than 96,000 postal vote applications had been made over the weekend.

And those that had to vote in person are being encouraged to bring their own pen or pencil to guard against germs.

“The ECQ will be implementing a range of new measures for people attending early voting centres and polling booths to vote in-person,” Mr Vidgen said.

“This includes sourcing additional supplies of hand sanitiser for use by voters at polling booths.”

Mr Vidgen said the local government elections and Currumbin and Bundamba by-election were proceeding as normal, in accordance with advice that only non-essential mass gatherings should be cancelled.

Pre poll voting in Townsville for the Council election. Anti-bacterial wipes on every table

“Elections facilitate an essential service by providing for democratic representation for Queenslanders,” Mr Vidgen said.

“However, we recognise that this is an extraordinary situation and are adapting our service model accordingly

“I ask for the understanding and co-operation of all voters to make sure that the elections are conducted smoothly and with minimal impact on voters and election staff.

“This is a unique and evolving situation and we will update voters if circumstances change.

“I encourage people to check the ECQ website for up-to-date information about how to cast their vote.”