If pollies won’t follow own rules, how will the public?

HOW totally irresponsible is it for the State Government to go ahead with this weekend’s elections.

We are being advised by our Prime Minister and Premier to stay at home to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Why then are we forced to leave our homes to go to a polling booth where thousands of families with children will come into contact with our aged population and potentially infected people who would otherwise have no reason to be in contact?

We have seen on the news reports people at pre-polling booths clearly not demonstrating social distancing. Knowing that the virus can live on surfaces, will each polling booth and ballot box be disinfected after each voter? Who will be patrolling the social distancing in the queues and carparks? Is proper protective equipment going to be supplied to those processing the votes? Who will be disinfecting the public toilets, handrails, doors and other surfaces the general public will come in contact with?

Would it not make sense to postpone the election given the unprecedented circumstances this virus has caused? Could the postal vote system be extended or could we create more jobs by expanding the telephone voting system already in place for the elderly and those in self isolation?

We have seen our own mayor hugging candidates and not demonstrating social distancing. If our own politicians aren’t adhering to these restrictions how can they expect the general public to take this seriously. If people are feeling unwell or are concerned about attending the polling booths surely they shouldn’t be fined for not voting.

Given the current shortage of toilet paper perhaps there is a better use for the ballot papers.

G BUTLER, LABRADOR