Election News - 24 March 2012

The Premier has announced that the next State Election will be held on 24 March 2012.

I am asking for your support to help the LNP Get Queensland Back on Track.  It's time to cut the waste and dump this tired 20 year old Labor government so that we can focus on our positive plans for the future to:

• Build our hospital - Can Do
• Cut the cost of living - Can Do
• Grow our jobs - Can Do
• Protect our environment - Can Do

Important voting information, including how to apply for postal votes is listed below.  If you would like to enrol to vote, check your enrolment details or find out what voting options are available, you should go to http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/ or call the voters helpline 1300 881 665.

I greatly appreciate the work of volunteers who want to help me make a difference.  If you would like to volunteer your time to help out with my campaign, at pre-poll or at polling booths on election day please drop me a line at info@fionasimpson.com.au with your contact details.

Queenslanders deserve better!  We have a comprehensive CANDO action plan to Get Queensland Back on Track.  Information about LNP policies and candidates is available at http://www.lnp.org.au/policies.

VOTING INFORMATION - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I vote if I can't get to a polling booth on election day?
You can vote at a pre-poll centre in Millwell Road, Maroochydore from Friday 2 March; or apply for a postal vote by filling out a form and having your ballot paper sent to you before election day.

How do I get a Postal Vote Application Form?
Postal Vote application forms packs have now been posted to all those on the electoral roll.  If you do not receive a pack by 24 February, please contact my office (Tel: 5443 1933 Email: info@fionasimpson.com.au) and ask for an application form to be posted to you or download one from the Electoral Commission website click here.

I will be interstate or overseas on polling day.  Can I apply for a pre-poll vote before election day?
Yes.  You can apply for a postal vote. You may also be able to have a pre-poll vote before you leave or at an overseas pre-poll centre (if you are near by). For more information go to the Electoral Commission website: http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/.

Postal Vote application forms and details of pre-poll venues will be available on-line at www.ecq.qld.gov.au.

Am I on the electorate roll and for what district?
You can check this out on the Australian Electoral Commission website https://oevf.aec.gov.au/

I have changed address. Do I need to fill out a new enrolment form?
You can update your address details online at http://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/change-address.htm  as long as you can supply your driver's licence details.  If you are not currently enrolled or do not have a driver's licence you will need to fill out an enrolment form, click here to download the form.

Can I enrol after the official close of rolls?
Yes, you can enrol any time up to 6.00 pm on the day before election day. It will be too late for your name to appear on the official list of voters but the Commission will make special arrangements to ensure you can vote.

What happens if I don't vote?
Voting is compulsory for State and local government elections. If you don't vote you will receive a Failure to Vote notice. If you are unable to provide a valid reason for not voting you will be required to pay a fine.

How do I know where I can vote?
You can vote:

  • at a polling booth in your electoral district on election day;
  • as an absent voter at any polling booth in Queensland;
  • as an early voter at a pre-poll centre;
  • by post; or
  • if you are ill or infirm, by arranging for a polling official to visit your home.

My friend/relative needs assistance when voting. Am I able to assist them?
Yes. If an elector requires assistance they are able to choose a person to assist them. They may also ask a Polling Official at a polling booth for assistance.

I have recently changed address but I haven't updated my details. Can I still vote?
Yes. You can either cast an ordinary vote for the address where you were previously enrolled or you can update your details click here before 6.00 pm on the day before election day and cast a declaration vote for your new address.

Where can I vote before polling day?
Pre-poll will be open at the Millwell Rd Community Centre in Maroochydore from Friday 2 March.  Details of all pre-poll offices (Queensland, Inter-state and overseas) will soon be available at www.ecq.qld.gov.au.

Who can apply for a postal vote?  
You can apply for a postal vote if on polling day, you:

  • will be interstate or overseas or more than 8 kms from a polling booth;
  • will be working or travelling under conditions that will prevent voting at a polling booth;
  • are a member of a religious order or have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling booth on polling day;
  • have a serious illness, disability or are in the advanced stages of pregnancy; or
  • are caring for a person who is ill, has a disability or is in the advanced stages of pregnancy.

Click here to download the application form.

What is an electoral visit vote?
An Electoral Officer will come to your home at an arranged time to take your vote. You will need to complete the Postal Vote/Electoral Visit Vote application form and select the 'Electoral Visitor Vote' box. Click here to download the application form.