Pre-poll voting for Hawkesbury Council elections begins Mon – postal vote applications close Nov 29

Hawkesbury voters should get prepared to vote early and postal vote as the Electoral Commission encourages enrolled voters to take advantage of early voting options ahead of the actual election on Saturday December 4.

Applications for postal voting close at 5pm, Monday November 29 and postal ballot papers must be returned by 6pm, Friday December 17.

Early voting centres will operate in each local government area from Monday November 22 until Friday December 3.

The two Hawkesbury pre-poll voting centres are at:

Hawkesbury Returning Officer’s Office 18 Macquarie Street, Windsor NSW 2756 (the old Holden dealership site) Features: Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spot, path of travel may be difficult Opening Hours: 22 Nov 2021 – 03 Dec 2021 Mon – Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm Richmond School of Arts 26 West Market Street, Richmond NSW 2753 Features: Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spot, no accessible toilet Opening Hours: 22 Nov 2021 – 03 Dec 2021 Mon – Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm

The EC says, “voters are reminded absentee voting is not available at local government elections, and they must vote in their local government area or ward.”

John Schmidt, NSW Electoral Commissioner, said this morning applications for postal voting are already open and in-person voting will begin from this Monday, November 22.

“Voters can plan when, where and how they’ll vote using information available on the NSW Electoral Commission website at elections.nsw.gov.au,” said the Commissioner.

“Whether it’s their nearest polling place, candidate information or options for voting early, NSW voters can find everything they need to know at our website with a quick search of their enrolled address.”

Mr Schmidt said that for the first time all voters are eligible to vote in person during the early voting (pre-poll) period and that in another first, iVote internet and telephone voting will be available at local government elections for electors meeting strict eligibility criteria.

“We know COVID-19 has been driving people to consider their voting options. Voter safety is paramount, as is ensuring every eligible voter in NSW has a chance to have their voice heard.

“All polling places will be run in line with COVID-safe election guidelines including mask wearing and physical distancing. Voters can bring their own pens and must check in using the Service NSW QR codes, and follow any NSW Health advice.

Mr Schmidt said voting is compulsory for all enrolled electors and there are penalties for not voting.

“I encourage all voters to ‘be vote ready’ and consider their options ahead of December 4,” he said.

For more information, call 1300 135 736 or go to elections.nsw.gov.au

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