Everywhere you can vote on Groom by-election day

Here’s everywhere you can vote for the Groom by-election today, and everything you need to know before casting your ballot.

The Groom by-election is today.

Saturday, November 28 is Groom by-election day across the Toowoomba region.

Acting Australian Electoral Officer for Queensland Adrian McCabe said the range of COVID-19 safety measures in place meant the traditional by-election day voting experience would be a little different from usual.

“We’re asking you to be patient, as it might take a little longer than usual to cast your vote,” Mr McCabe said.

“Safety measures include the availability of hand sanitiser, venue-capacity limits, social-distancing guidance and the regular cleaning of voting screens.

“Though we’re encouraging people to bring their own pen or pencil to mark their ballot paper, there will be single-use pencils available for those who do not.”

Mr McCabe said COVID-19 safety measures would also be implemented during the count – both on by-election night and in the days afterwards.

“Depending on how close the results are, it might take longer than normal to determine who is elected,” he said.

“Any significant increase in postal and pre-poll votes cast could also affect the speed of the count, noting the legal requirement to wait 13 days after by-election day for the return of postal votes.”

An Australian Electoral Commission spokesman said the organisation was also conscious of the hot forecast today.

“People should pay extra attention to planning their vote – what polling place they’ll attend, what time of day may be quietest, and even potentially bringing a hat and sunscreen,” the spokesman said.

“We’ve got additional polling staff on this by-election and will be doing our best to get people in the polling place and through as quickly as possible.”