Politicians urge postal votes as council elections loom

All political parties are urging Brisbane residents to sign up for postal votes for the council election on March 28 to avoid mass gatherings amid fears of further COVID-19 cases in Queensland.

More than 54,000 residents have so far requested a postal vote ahead of the Monday 7pm deadline, while the Electoral Commission Queensland said they were monitoring the situation.

Postal votes are an option for residents keen to avoid the crowds, but applications must be in by Monday at 7pm.Credit: Fairfax Media

Earlier in the week, commissioner Pat Vidgen said the ECQ had provided advice to its temporary election staff and asked voters across the 77 Queensland councils to take "normal commonsense precautions" on election day.

On Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced gatherings of more than 500 people would be discouraged in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

"At the moment, Queensland Health has not changed its advice that there is no need to cancel mass gatherings or events or take additional precautions to normal practice," an ECQ spokesman said.

"The ECQ will continue to monitor the situation closely, and take advice from the relevant authorities, including Queensland Health."

Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner posted on social media urging residents to apply for a postal vote before the deadline or vote early if they couldn't make it to election day.

Labor lord mayoral candidate Pat Condren shared the same message, as did the Queensland Greens.

Mr Vidgen said on Wednesday it was a "fast-moving" situation and the ECQ was "prepared to respond appropriately" should such a mass gathering ban come into place.

He said voting remained compulsory.

LNP councillor and deputy mayor Krista Adams said Brisbane City Council was taking the pandemic "very seriously" and was in daily contact with Queensland Health and the state government.