Melbourne’s missing voters: concern over election ballot paper collection
Concerns are growing over the Melbourne City Council election as tens of thousands of voters fear they may not receive their ballot papers in time.
Victoria
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Tens of thousands of voters in this week’s Melbourne City Council election may not be able to vote, raising fears that the integrity of the poll may be compromised.
Business owners and property investors are not able to receive their ballot papers because of Melbourne’s 5km travel restrictions.
Because central Melbourne is almost deserted, many shuttered businesses are unable to collect mail with completed forms to be posted by 6pm next Friday.
The electorate of more than 135,000 voters is made up of about 55 per cent business and non-residential property owners, the rest being residents enrolled on the state electoral roll.
Lord Mayor candidate Arron Wood said the postal problem represented a threat to local democracy in what was such an important election for the city.
“I’ve received quite a number of calls from concerned small business owners who shut their businesses due to COVID-19 and for whatever reason haven’t redirected mail,’’ Mr Wood, the current deputy lord mayor, said.
‘It’s really clear when dropping leaflets to closed small businesses there is mail piling up.
“I have deep concerns that a significant number of voters will miss their chance to make their vote count. I don’t think it’s good enough at such a difficult time, when most people advocated delaying the elections, that the onus sits squarely with the voter.’’
Rival candidate Gary Morgan said that even if travel restrictions were shifted to 20km it would be too late as the postal deadline loomed.
“They just won’t get the ballot packs in time,’’ Mr Morgan said.
Voter participation in City of Melbourne elections has been falling during the past two decades. In 2016, just 51.5 per cent of voters lodged their ballot, compared to the 75 per cent statewide average.
The Greens have supported the 5km travel restrictions while it was a health issue.
But the Greens’ lead councillor candidate Rohan Leppert said: “In any event, there should be no legal barrier to any person collecting their ballot papers from a City of Melbourne address.’’
A VEC spokeswoman said business owners who had not arranged a redirection of mail should contact the Melbourne City Council election office to request a replacement ballot pack.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane was contacted for comment.
Voters who cannot collect their ballot papers because of travel restrictions can request a replacement pack be sent to a different address, by contacting their local council election office, a department spokeswoman said.
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