Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is predicting record numbers of pre-polling as early voting centres open today (Monday) across Gippsland.
Mr Chester said the combined impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and increased opening hours of early voting centres in Morwell, Traralgon, Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance, would encourage more Gippslanders to cast their votes before Election Day on May 21.
In the 2019 election, more than 50,000 Gippslanders took advantage of early voting options to cast their vote and Mr Chester said the trend would continue.
“Judging by the phone calls and emails to my office and requests for information, I expect more than 50% of Gippslanders will cast their votes before the actual Election Day,” Mr Chester said.
“The election is effectively ‘live’ now with voters able to make their judgements across the country and I’m optimistic that my strong record of achievements across Gippsland will be supported by locals.
“I’m taking nothing for granted and will be working every day to keep delivering for Gippslanders.
“With five pre-poll centres opening for longer hours to reduce queuing and the availability of postal votes, I would expect a record number of early voters.
“If you can’t get to a polling place on election day you can vote at an early voting centre in Morwell, Traralgon, Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.”
