In-depth review of Qld council and by-elections to investigate polling day bungles

Bungled logistics leading to long queues and ballot paper shortages at the recent polls will be investigated as part of an in-depth review into the way Queensland runs elections.

Bungled logistics leading to long queues and ballot paper shortages at the recent polls will be investigated as part of an in-depth review into the way Queensland runs elections.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland has faced widespread criticism amid slow counting of votes, polling day queues and voters being turned away amid a shortage of ballots during the local government election and by-elections in Ipswich West and Inala on March 16.

Voters faced long queues at Coorparoo State School on polling day. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

An independent review into the local government election was already scheduled to take place, with the ECQ appointing consulting firm Nous Group in late 2023 at a cost of $165,000.

But the review has now been expanded to include the two state by-elections and will put a spotlight to issues flagged on polling day.

The review is due to be completed by mid-2024, with the information to be worked into ECQ’s report on the election due for public release before the October poll.

According to the state government, information will also be gathered from auditors working in the field on election day, data on voting trends and polling booth demand and a post-election survey of voters and local governments following the Easter period.

Voters at Coorparoo State School on polling day. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Premier Steven Miles said feedback from Queensland communities indicated voting at the council election and state by-elections had been “far from ideal”.

“Long lines, not enough ballot papers – and other issues that made voting confusing or difficult – are all things that really shouldn’t be happening in 2024 and we owe it to Queenslanders to make sure the ECQ gets this right,” he said.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath confirmed she had met with Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen the Monday after the election, with the ECQ committing to a detailed review of its service delivery model before the October poll.

“It is my expectation that this review will identify areas for improvement, including a review of staffing levels, to ensure the ECQ improves the voting experience for voters,” she said.

“I welcome the ECQ’s decision to expand the scope of the review to address election day criticisms, which will help inform and improve the future delivery of electoral services.”

Originally published as In-depth review of Qld council and by-elections to investigate polling day bungles