WA Electoral Commissioner David Kerslake has today reported on the record numbers of postal vote applications received to date at this election.
“As of 9.00 am Tuesday 7 March, the Commission has received 160,513 postal vote applications. This compares with just over 74,000 postal votes in total at the last general election in 2013”, Mr Kerslake said.
“Clearly this is an election of records across a number of fronts, but the growth in postal votes is very dramatic.”
Most of the 59 electoral districts have recorded over 2,000 postal votes, but the highest at the moment is Swan Hills with over 3,600.
Applications for a postal vote close on Wednesday this week. Written applications must be received by the Commission by 6.00pm, Wednesday 8 March.
Mr Kerslake said that once received, electors should return their completed postal vote package immediately in the reply paid envelope.
“While the Commission can accept postal votes up until 9.00am Thursday 16 March following polling day, they must be posted by Saturday 11 March”, he said.
He said that anyone considering lodging a postal vote application at this late stage should do so via the Commission’s online application form that can be accessed at www.elections.wa.gov.au . Assistance is also available on the Commission’s help-line on 136306.