Gold Coast Election 2020: Candidates call for extension on postal vote as pre-polling begins

Hundreds have packed pre-polling stations across the Gold Coast but several candidates have now called for an extension to the now-closed postal vote application.

HUNDREDS of voters packed pre-polling stations across the Gold Coast yesterday as coronavirus concerns escalate.

Residents, many wearing masks, lined up outside the Southport pre-poll station in Lawson St.

Candidates and the volunteers were warned to “keep your distance” when voting began at 9am.

Division 8 councillor Bob La Castra said the number of pre-poll voters was unprecedented.

“I knew it would be busy, I was predicting even before the virus we’d be seeing 35 per cent of people (pre-polling),” he said.

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Crowds waiting to vote at the prepolling booth in Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I’d be very surprised if we didn’t get to 50 per cent.

“What you’d hope is if people are in quarantine the election would extend the time for postal voting. They’ve got to be able to accommodate those people who want to exercise their democratic right.”

Division 10 candidate Eddy Sarroff has written to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk asking her to intervene to ensure health risks were reduced.

“I’m absolutely worried,” he said before pre-polling began.

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The former councillor reached out to other candidates in a text calling on them to “exhibit extreme discipline” and “avoid the scramble for the best position” by maintaining a straight line.

In his letter to the Premier, Mr Sarroff warned about the size of the Lawson St polling booth.

Mayoral candidate Brett Lambert offered a lift to some elderly resident. Picture Glenn Hampson

“My main concern is for the voters who will turn out at the polling booths only to be swamped by very enthusiastic candidates and their volunteers.”

Applications for postal voting officially closed at 7 o’clock last night.

Mayoral candidate Brett Lambert offered a lift to elderly voters Shirley and Wayne Bentley, delivering them to the Southport pre-polling station.

“This is what we’re supposed to do, we’re supposed to help the community,” he said, adding the couple had approached him for help.

“(The virus) is a concern Australia-wide. If you gather, it doesn’t have to be 500 people, it could be 20 people and if someone’s got it, it’s a problem.

“But the people want change and they’re making a conscientious effort to vote, so we assist them.”

Division 12 candidate Zac Revere issued an alert to residents asking them to contact him for advice on how to register for postal voting or transportation to and from polling booths.

Other candidates, including Division 14’s Gloria Baker, opted to ditch how-to-vote cards to avoid close contact with constituents.

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Candidates and volunteers were still waiting to hand out cards. Picture Glenn Hampson