Gold Coast State Election: Electoral Commission Queensland’s plan for COVID-safe election

The October election could be delivered as a normal vote, a postal vote – or both, according to the Electoral Commission’s safety plan. HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT

THE October election could be delivered as a full postal vote or “hybrid model” amid ongoing COVID-19 safety restrictions.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland’s COVID-19 safety plan reveals it has the flexibility to deliver a normal election, full postal vote or a hybrid of the two.

It will also have the ability to “quickly pivot from one model during the election period to another”, according to a statement of principles released by the ECQ.

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“It is important that all eligible Queenslanders get the opportunity to safely participate in the Queensland general election,” the statement reads.

“The ECQ should be provided maximum flexibility to respond to emergent public health risks to ensure the safety of voters.

The March local government election saw thousands switch to prepoll and postal voting. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“This includes being able to make regionally specific decisions, addressing local public health concerns.”

Key health measures include standard 1.5m social distancing, use of hand sanitiser and encouraging voters to bring their own pens and pencils.

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Additional staff will also be employed for queue control.

It comes after March’s controversial local government election in which thousands switched to prepoll voting and postal voting in an effort to avoid polling day crowds.