Eager voters in Geraldton cast more than 6600 ballots in first week of pre-polling for Voice referendum

Geraldton’s early voting centre is sustaining momentum, averaging more than 1000 votes each day for the Voice to Parliament referendum in its first six days. It seems many voters in the region are eager to have their say and are getting in early to vote in Australia’s first referendum since 1999. The official polling day on Saturday, October 14. Geraldton’s early voting station opened on Monday last week and in its first six days has received 6683 votes. Its first day of pre-polling saw 887 votes cast — the lowest daily figure since the booths have been opened. On Tuesday, 1237 voters had their day and 1258 on Wednesday — the busiest day so far for the centre which is located at Sanford Plaza on Durlacher Street. On Thursday 1083 votes were cast, 1189 on Friday and 1029 on Saturday. It is the only early voting centre in Geraldton and the Mid West, and is open to travellers and non-residents to submit early votes should they be unable to vote on October 14. In comparison to its peers, Geraldton has recorded the most votes of all the centres in the Durack electorate. Carnarvon has recorded 550 early votes, while Broome has recorded 2861. Of the 10,605 postal votes sent out in the Durack electorate, 1646 have been returned. Geraldton’s early voting centre is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm from now to Thursday, October 12, 8.30am to 6pm on Friday, October 13, and 8am to 6pm on Saturday, October 14. On Saturday, votes can be lodged at a variety of locations in Geraldton and the Mid West. Visit https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting.htm#start