New corona rules for Coast polling booths

No handshaking or how to vote cards are just come of the new measures put in place at pre-polling booths in a push to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

STRICT coronavirus safety measures will be in place across the Gold Coast for election weekend as volunteers are asked to stop handing out how-to-vote cards – but authorities say it is still safe to vote.

As part of new powers introduced in parliament this week the Electoral Commission of Queensland has issued strong directives to all candidates – asking them to find another way to display how-to-vote information.

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Tugun pre-polling booth and Tugun community centre on the Gold Coast for the 2020, workers have now been asked not to hand out how to vote cards. Picture: Andrew Potts

“Use traditional election-size signs, put them on a table so voters can help themselves, print it on a t-shirt – there are plenty of ways to get the message across without having to get close to people,” Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

“Let’s face it – it’s 2020 and our candidates are all a pretty savvy lot so use social media and emails.

“The Directive also applies to other election material, including flyers, leaflets and voter information cards.

“And always adhere to Queensland Health guidelines.”

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The Directive comes as the State’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reiterated it was still safe to vote in the council elections on 28 March.

“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.

“I appreciate the measures being proposed by Electoral Commission Queensland as they should address the risk of community transmission of COVID-19, while allowing important electoral processes to continue.”

Voters are still able to vote early at one of 120 stations across Queensland, which are open from 9am-5pm.

New safety measures include:

No shaking hands with electors as they wait to enter polling booth.

Maintain social distancing by staying 1.5 meters away from others.

Parties and candidates must minimise the number of workers a their polling booth.

When available make use of alternate how-to-vote methods.