Page 48 - Conducting Elections during COVID-19

30 INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS DURING COVID-19

Annexure - 2

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The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has carefully considered the impact of
COVID-19 on the conduct of the 2020 local government elections and Currumbin and
Bundamba by-elections. This includes the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic
and the decision of the National Cabinet on 18 March 2020 to ban non-essential static
gatherings of more than 100 people.

After considering this decision and taking advice from Queensland Health, the ECQ has
determined that, based on current advice available, the elections should proceed. This is on
the basis that: the elections facilitate an essential service by providing for continuity of
democratic representation for Queenslanders; and measures will be put in place at polling
places to limit the number of people inside the building to fewer than 100.

The ECQ acknowledges that this is a unique situation for Queensland electors and will be
enhancing its service delivery approach for these elections to promote public health and
confidence in participating in the electoral process. This includes additional personal hygiene
precautions and people management measures for both electors and polling officials at
polling booths.

Remember, voting is compulsory.

• Queensland Health’s personal hygiene guidelines are to be followed by all people at
polling booths including voters and polling officials. Copies of these guidelines will be
distributed to and available at early voting centres and polling booths.

If you need more information relating to the 2020 elections, please contact ECQ on 1300 881 665 or
by emailing ecq@ecq.qld.gov.au.
Current as at 18 March 2020