Council Election 2020: Candidate Zac Revere concerned about new polling restrictions
The number of coronavirus cases on the Coast has skyrocketed and tension is building at busy election booths. There are new restrictions at polling places today – but some say it’s not enough.
Council Election 2020
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AS THE number of coronavirus cases on the Gold Coast skyrocket – so has the level of restrictions at polling places around the city.
From today, you will not see division candidates or their campaigners canvas outside polling booths altogether.
Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) commissioner Pat Vidgen said the ban would ensure voting would now be a “quick” process.
In a bid to minimise static interaction and protect the wellbeing of voters, candidates and their helpers are prohibited from canvassing for votes, distributing how-to-vote cards or election material at all Queensland polling booths.
All material is now provided by candidates and displayed at polling centres by ECQ staff.
Division 12 candidate Zac Revere told the Bulletin he was “incredibly concerned” at the lack of forethought for the election day on March 28.
“This new measure has made the task of successfully being elected incredibly difficult for a young person like myself,” he said.
“I welcome any changes made that ensure the health and safety of my community but I call on the ECQ to keep all polling venues open on March 28 except for schools.
“As the school year continues we cannot risk the lives of our future generations when we already have adequate polling stations.”
Mr Revere encourages voters to do their research before arriving at the polls – as election material will be limited.
The ban includes forbidding candidates from shaking hands with electors as they enter or wait to enter a polling booth.
Failure to comply carries a maximum penalty of $1334.50.
As of 5pm yesterday, half a million Queenslanders had cast their vote at the ballot box and more than 540,000 had applied for a postal vote.
Division 8 resident Michelle Simpkins said the new restrictions were a step in the right direction but they were not enough.
“I am displeased that the election is going ahead,” she said. “While it is important to maintain democracy during these uncertain times – it is no longer appropriate to consider life as business as usual.”
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the latest advice from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young was that it was still safe to hold council elections up to and on March 28.
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“The risk of contracting COVID-19 at a polling location is low,” Dr Young has advised the ECQ.
“People will be frequently entering and exiting the environment, spending little time in static close contact, which reduces the risk of spread of COVID 19.”
The new restrictions follow the first directive on Thursday, which banned handing out how-to-vote-cards.
Mr Hinchliffe said voters should take advantage of extended early voting hours.
Pre-polling is open today between 9am and 5pm. Polling centres will also be open next Wednesday March 25 and Thursday March 26 from 9am to 9pm.
Experienced campaign workers predict the best time to vote is between 1pm and 3pm before the after-school rush.
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