Electoral Commission of Queensland to address the problems experienced by voters in the 2024 local elections

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Julie Wilkinson
12 - 18 Hartley Road
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN QLD 4272
Total Signatures - 559
Sponsoring Member: The Clerk of the Parliament
Posting Date: 27/9/2024
Closing Date: 26/10/2024
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland Residents draws to the attention of the House the need to ensure the people of Queensland are assured they will be able to cast their vote when attending regional polling booths, on Election Day, 26 October 2024.

In the local council elections of 16 March 2024, some voters didn't cast their vote due to long queues, lack of ballot papers, lack of information regarding absentee voting, lack of staff and queues still waiting after official closing time. This election was disorganised and under-resourced. The two-week pre-polling failed to gain support and was not available in all divisions.

According to the LGE2014 review:

  • 36% of voters were dissatisfied with the polling process.
  • 29% of Electron Day voters queued longer than 30 minutes.

However, it has been found by the review that ECQ invested heavily in planning and preparation activities and 70% of the cost of local elections is born by councils (rate payers). The cost per elector in Queensland elections was between $10.40 - $13.40. It is your petitioners view that the two-week pre polling was a waste of ratepayer's money. It is also your petitioners view that recounts should be automatic in close results (less than 100 votes separating candidates).

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to ensure that our elections will be conducted in a professional manner and that we have reasonable opportunity to cast our vote and that these votes be recounted until an outcome is clear.