More Canberrans than ever before have voted early. Early voting began on Tuesday; on that day, 13,319 people voted at one of the 11 Early Voting Centres – a 65 per cent increase over 2020, electoral commissioner Damian Cantwell AM CSC said.
Since then, more than 35,000 Canberrans have already voted at an Early Voting Centre, 94 per cent voting electronically (which allows Elections ACT to register votes quickly).
“We are pleased to see such a high participation in early voting,” Mr Cantwell said. “Legislative changes now allow all ACT electors to vote at their convenience over a two-week period.”
Demand for postal voting is also strong. 22,902 postal votes were issued as of Thursday.
Voting centres are busiest in the morning and middle of the day, but become quieter from 2pm until they close at 6:30 pm, Mr Cantwell said. He expected voting centres would become busier each day up to 19 October.
“I would encourage voters to plan accordingly, noting that you don’t have to cast your vote in your electorate but in any convenient voting centre,” Mr Cantwell said.
To find your nearest early voting centre, go to www.elections.act.gov.au/for-voters/how-and-where-to-vote/where-to-vote-early-voting, or refer to the Early Voting Guide distributed to all ACT households.
Opening times for Early Voting Centres:
- Tuesday 8 October – Friday 11 October 2024: 10.30am – 6.30pm
- Saturday 12 October 2024: 9am – 5pm
- Monday 14 October – Thursday 17 October 2024: 10.30am – 6.30pm
- Friday 18 October 2024: 9am – 8pm
- Saturday 19 October 2024: 8am – 6pm
