Ballot papers have to go a long way to reach polling places across Western Australia and now have to go even further for some regional districts.
The delivery of ballot papers to the Kimberley region for the upcoming state election is on track after a necessary detour across state lines in the wake of Ex Tropical Cyclone Zelia.
While flooding impacts have resulted in major road closures in certain parts of WA’s north, contingency plans and alternative routes have ensured that distribution is progressing as swiftly as possible.
The WA Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy reassured voters that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure ballots reach their intended destination in time for mobile and remote polling, commencing from 24 February.
“The WA Electoral Commission has worked to identify alternative transport routes through South Australia and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to Kununurra and Broome to navigate the affected areas,”
Mr Kennedy said.
“Our priority is to ensure polling places receive their allocation of ballot papers in time for early and mobile voting, despite the unexpected disruption.”
Director of Election Operations Shani Wood said the WA Electoral Commission is working closely with the local Returning Officer and Department of Fire and Emergency Services to coordinate ballot paper distribution and election preparations.
“We have our Returning Officer Liaison Officer onsite in Broome and are doing everything possible to make sure people in affected areas, particularly those in remote communities can vote safely and securely,” Ms Wood said.
The WA Electoral Commission has commenced mail out for voters who have applied for a postal vote. Voters are asked to allow time to receive their packages to their preferred mailing address.
Postal votes must be completed by 6pm on 8 March and received by the Electoral Commission by 9am Thursday 13 March.
Last week nearly 5.9 million ballot papers were printed ahead of the WA State Election, which will be held on 8 March.
A full list of polling places is available on the WA Electoral Commission website.