Pre-polling numbers climbing
MORE than 27,300 people have already voted in Herbert, accounting for 23.9 per cent of enrolled voters.
Pre-poll votes have gradually increased since the voting booths opened on May 9, with an average of 3034 people turning out each day.
The Australian Electoral Commission data shows that voting has increased this week, with 3995 cast on Monday, 4064 on Tuesday and 4046 on Wednesday.
The number of people who have voted is already higher than in 2019, with 22.1 per cent of people voting in pre-poll three days out from the election.
Pre-polling has remained popular across the country, with the number of Australians casting their vote before the May 21 election hitting 3.9 million yesterday.
This is up 10 per cent on the figure three days out from the 2019 election despite this year’s pre-poll period being one week shorter than last.
If trends continue, it will mean five million Australians will have already voted ahead of election day.
However, concerns have been raised that a large number of people are voting before they have all the facts.
Regional economist Colin Dwyer said on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese announced the reallocation of $70m earmarked for regional projects.
“It’s disappointing that as more voters look to pre-poll, they don’t have all relevant information to make informed decisions when they vote,” he said. “Both major parties have been guilty of this reduction of democracy.”