Early voting begins tomorrow in the 2014 WA Senate election

Early voting centres for the 2014 WA Senate election will open tomorrow for voters unable to vote on election day, Saturday 5 April.

The Australian Electoral Officer for Western Australia, Kathy Mitchell said that 600,000 ballot papers were printed over the weekend in time for the start of the early voting period.

The locations and opening times of early voting centres in WA are available at www.aec.gov.au/wa-senate, then select ‘Where can I vote’, or call 13 23 26 for more information.

Postal voters

“Visiting an early voting centre is the easiest way to vote early, but if you’re unable to get to an early voting centre or to a polling place on election day, you can go online now at www.aec.gov.au/wa-senate and apply for a postal vote,” Ms Mitchell added.

The AEC will start mailing out postal vote packs and ballot papers today to over 85,000 West Australians who have applied for a postal vote since the Senate election was called.

Group voting tickets and general information

Voters can view the group voting tickets setting out the order of preferences lodged by parties and groups at www.aec.gov.au/gvt

WA voters interstate who won’t be returning to WA before Saturday 5 April can have an early vote at any AEC office around the country. To check the location of your nearest AEC office outside of WA visit www.aec.gov.au

“It is important that you apply early for a postal vote to ensure there is ample time to deliver the ballot papers and for you to complete them by election day.”

For further information regarding the 2014 WA Senate election visit www.aec.gov.au/wa- senate or call 13 23 26.

Translated information on voting is available at www.aec.gov.au/translated along with contact details for people wishing to speak to the AEC in another language.