Early voting is available

A number of easy ways exist for people to vote early if they are unable to get to a local polling place on election day, Saturday, October 9, according divisional returning officer for Robertson, Mr Paul Shields.

He said an early voting centre would be open in Woy Woy.

Mr Shields said people were eligible for an early vote if on Election Day they would be interstate or overseas, more than eight kilometres from a polling place, approaching childbirth, seriously ill or caring for someone who wa unable to attend a polling place.

It would also be available for those who could not attend due to religious beliefs, disability or work commitments.

"Electors who are eligible can make an early vote in person at any early (pre-poll) voting centre," Mr Shields said.

An early voting centre will be open in Woy Woy Primary School Hall from Monday, October 4, to Wednesday, October 6, from 9am until 5pm.

It will also be open on Thursday, October 7, from 9am until 8pm and on Friday, October 8, from 9am until 6pm.

"Postal vote application forms are available from any post office, AEC office, from the AEC website www.aec.gov.au or by calling 13 23 26," Mr Shields said.

"Completed ballot papers must be in the mail back to the AEC by Friday, October 8, to be counted."

For more information visit the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au or phone 13 23 26.

Press release, September 29 Paul Shields, Australian Electoral Commission