Councillor says it’s the weirdest election he’s seen
As election day gets underway in the Redlands the usual hustle and bustle at polling booths is nowhere to be seen, with one councillor calling it the weirdest election he had ever been a part of.
Redlands Coast
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IT’S election day in the Redlands but it doesn’t seem like it at Capalaba College’s Senior Campus.
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Usually one of the busiest voting booths in Division 9, it is empty this morning with only a few people walking in and out.
Incumbent councillor Paul Gleeson said, who was first elected in 2012, said it was the weirdest election he had been a part of due to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus.
“There’s definitely been strong numbers at pre-poll during the week,” he said.
“But it’s all up in the air, usually you can get a gauge from the polling booths on what’s going to happen when people come up to you, give you a wink and say they voted for you and that type of thing.
“But this week you kind of have no idea.”
Cr Gleeson said he still felt slightly confident after a period of uncertainty late last year.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to run again but I decided to,” he said.
“I don’t feel like there’s a big demand for change in the Redlands.”
He also expected independent candidate Allison Wicks to put up the strongest competition.
Another voting booth in Division 9 which is usually busy at election time is Coolnwynpin State School.
And while voters were scarce, the few who turned up believed it was ridiculous the election was going ahead during the coronavirus pandemic.
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“It’s crap,” one elderly man, who wished to remain unnamed, said.
“It’s just a money building exercise, they know a lot of people won’t turn up because of what’s happening so they get the $130 fine.
“It’s crazy that in all other areas of our life they’re telling us to stay away from others but they want us to come and line up and vote.”
Another voter said the coronavirus had an impact on how much he cared about the election.
“I don’t care who wins or loses now to be honest,” he said.
ECQ INSISTED DAY GO AHEAD
Redlands City Council Mayor Karen Williams commented on Redlands Community News’ Facebook video about the empty voting booths in the area this morning.
“The state government ECQ has insisted that elections proceed,” she said.
“We (council) asked for a full postal vote last year but it was denied. I also asked for an extension of time for postal vote applications also denied.
“Crowds have been well managed during the early voting period and a record number of people have already voted.
“Stay safe. Take your own pencil and keep the distance stipulated by the Qld Health Officer.”
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