A unique ACT election period officially begins tomorrow, Friday 11 September
The 2020 ACT Legislative Assembly election period officially begins tomorrow, marking the commencement of the caretaker period for the ACT Government.
ACT Electoral Commissioner, Mr Damian Cantwell AM said COVID-19 safety measures being implemented meant this ACT election will be different.
“At this year's election we have tripled the availability of early voting services and are encouraging everyone to vote early and vote safely”, Mr Cantwell said.
“All enrolled Canberrans may cast a vote at any voting location in the ACT, at any time during the three-week voting period - starting on Monday 28 September.”
“We’ve consulted closely with the ACT Chief Health Officer regarding the delivery of this election and the extended voting period is just one of many measures designed to uphold appropriate social distancing and hygiene requirements.”
Fifteen early voting centres will be open every day between 28 September 2020 and 16 October 2020.
82 polling places will be open on the final day of the voting period, 17 October 2020.
Nominations
Friday also marks the start of the official candidate nomination period.
Candidate nominations close at noon on Wednesday 23 September. A formal announcement of candidates will occur at noon on Thursday 24 September, at which time a random draw for positions on each ballot paper will be undertaken.
- Key information for candidates
- Comprehensive party/candidate video briefing
Enrolment
Canberra voters who are already enrolled but have moved house recently have until 6pm tomorrow, Friday 11 September, to make sure their enrolment is up to date for the election.
Mr Cantwell said that with more than 99% enrolment, the ACT has the most complete electoral roll in the country.
“The completeness of the ACT electoral roll is once again the national benchmark and recent legislative change means that the small number of people who are not yet enrolled can do so right up to, and on, the final day of voting,” Mr Cantwell said.
“While for this election you can enrol at the polling location, enrolling online ahead of time is a more efficient and COVID safe process.”
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