Qld state election 2024 explainer: Everything you need to know

After nine years of Labor rule, polls are pointing to a change of government at October’s Queensland election. FAST FACTS

After nine years of Labor rule, polls are pointing to a change of government at October’s Queensland election.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the next state election?

The next Queensland state election will be held on October 26.

How often does Queensland have state elections?

Queensland elections are held every four years. The 2020-24 term is the first four-year fixed term.

Who are the candidates for the 2024 Qld state election?

Labor Premier Steven Miles will face LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli at the October 26 election. Seats will be contested by Labor, LNP, Greens, One Nation, Katter’s Australian Party, other parties and independent candidates.

Who can vote in the Queensland election?

Anybody residing in Queensland aged 18 or over can vote in the state election.

When do I need to vote and is voting mandatory?

It is compulsory for eligible Australian citizens, aged 18 or older, to vote at the Queensland state election. Pre-poll voting will open two weeks before polling day and voting will close at 6pm on October 26.

How do I enrol to vote?

Visit the Electoral Commission Queensland website to update your details or enrol to vote.

How does postal voting work?

For people who can’t get to the ballot box in person on election day, postal voting is a flexible option, the ECQ says.

You must apply online for materials to be sent to your registered address.

Vying for the top job of premier are LNP leader David Crisafulli (left) and Labor incumbent Steven Miles.

Votes must be received by the ECQ within 10 days after election day to be included in the count. If a vote is received after the deadline, it can’t be included.

Which are the key seats?

The LNP must win 14 seats off Labor to form a majority government.

These seats are Bundaberg, Nicklin, Hervey Bay, Caloundra, Barron River, Townsville, Thuringowa, Mundingburra, Redlands, Aspley, Pumicestone, Cairns, Keppel and Redcliffe.

However, polling indicates many more seats are in play from the Gold Coast to Cape York.

What kind of results coverage can I expect?

At 6pm on October 26 polls will close and counting of the votes will begin.

Depending how tight the contest is, Queenslanders could know within hours who has won.

The Courier-Mail will have the results direct from the ECQ and be running a live blog to bring you minute-by-minute coverage.

We’ll have an election quiz and the latest analysis from leading commentators.

What have the previous state election results been?

Labor is eyeing a rare fourth election victory, with the previous three delivered by Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Ms Palaszczuk swept Campbell Newman from power in a shock result in 2015 and then grew her majority in 2017 and 2020.

In 2020 Labor won four seats it was not expecting to – Nicklin, Hervey Bay, Caloundra and Bundaberg – due to Ms Palaszczuk’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of these seats had a higher number of older Queenslanders, prompting The Courier-Mail to dub them ‘Palaszczuk’s pensioners’.

That election was between Ms Palaszczuk and the LNP’s Deb Frecklington.

Now, Premier Steven Miles faces Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.

Originally published as Qld state election 2024 explainer: Everything you need to know