Pre-polls draw big numbers
TOOWOOMBA residents have taken advantage of increased pre-polling for the council election on March 28, with big numbers heading to key booths across the region this week.
The Railway Goods Shed, one of two early voting stations in Toowoomba, enjoyed plenty of visitation from voters looking to avoid polling day.
The extended hours are part of the State Government’s plan to limit large numbers.
TOOWOOMBA residents have made the most of early polling to cast their vote in the upcoming council election, with huge numbers pouring into the Railway Goods Shed this week.
With the threat of a coronavirus outbreak lingering over people’s heads and the election day on March 28 only next week, hundreds of voters hit the polls early as part of a strategy to prevent large numbers voting on the actual day.
Council candidates, who are now restricted from handing out how-to-vote cards, have been using the early polling booths as chance to score late votes across the region.
Rebecca Vonhoff, Tim Entwistle, Garry Humphries, Eakraj Adhikari, Joy Mingay, Tim McMahon, Carol McCabe, Kerry Shine, Petria Grabham and Cr Bill Cahill were among the council candidates meeting with voters outside the Goods Shed yesterday, along with mayoral candidate Chris Meibusch.
A big change in behaviour was the lack of handshakes and space given to residents, although flyers were placed on tables for potential voters to pick them up.
Residents Mike and Lyn Nugent are regular early voters, but said the numbers this year had increased dramatically.
“We don’t go to polling day if we can help it. There are more people this year,” Mrs Nugent said.
Couple Terry and Joyce Newcomb was full of praise for the way the Electoral Commission of Queensland had handled early voting.
“It’s a great idea to extend the hours out to get people in and out,” Mrs Newcomb said.
“We would’ve more than likely gone to polling day, because it’s just around the corner (from our house).
“We’re just being reasonably careful, basically doing what we’re told to do.”