More local residents are expected to vote by post at the December 4 Local Government Election than ever before.
The election will proceed under strict COVID-19 safety plans, but more voting options will be made available to residents to reduce crowds.
Penrith City Council’s Election Returning Officer, Peter Herrmann, said the elections in Penrith will be conducted by the Australian Election Company.
“The most important news for voters is that changes have been made to allow residents to apply for a postal vote if they are concerned about the COVID-19 situation,” he said.
Applications for postal votes are open now and close on November 29. Applications will be available on Council’s website at penrith.city/Council-Election or the Australian Election Company’s website at www.austelect.com. You can also call 0435 640 156, email [email protected] or contact the Returning Officer at 216 Queen Street, St Marys NSW 2760 .
“We will also establish four pre-polling centres across the Local Government Area where you can vote ahead of election day, and we’ll supply those details in the coming weeks,” Mr Herrmann said.
“If we can significantly increase the number of postal votes and encourage more pre-poll voting, then we can reduce the number of voters at polling booths on election day and hopefully help keep the community safer.
“I want the community to be assured that my team and I will conduct the election absolutely in line within the Public Health Orders, current at the time, to minimise risk.”
Voters will be required to check in via a QR code, masks will be mandatory for voters and election staff, single use pencils will be provided, and physical distancing rules will apply. Additional staff will be employed to make sure these regulations are followed and to undertake regular cleaning of high contact areas.
Voting is compulsory for all Penrith residents aged over 18 who are on the residential electoral roll and fines apply if you fail to vote.
