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Australian Electoral Commission
The month-long period leading up to the Groom by-election has officially begun, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday issuing the writ for the event.
This sets in train a series of key dates for the by-election, which will be held on Saturday 28 November in the federal division centring on the southern Queensland city of Toowoomba.
The Acting Australian Electoral Officer for Queensland, Adrian McCabe, said the first key date was 2 November 2020 – the closing of the Groom electoral roll.
“If they haven’t already done so, residents of Groom should act now to ensure they are enrolled – or that their enrolment details are up to date – by the deadline of 8pm AEST on 2 November,” Mr McCabe said.
“If you live in the federal division of Groom you can enrol, or update or check your enrolment details online, at www.aec.gov.au.
“Those who have done this recently in preparation for the 31 October Queensland state election don’t need to do anything further – they are all set to go for the by-election.”
Mr McCabe said the health and safety of Groom voters was at the forefront of by-election preparations, and the AEC would have in place safety measures that are consistent with the advice of health authorities.
“A number of social distancing and hygiene measures will be implemented for this by-election, so the voting experience is likely to look a little different from what electors saw, for example, at the May 2019 federal election,” Mr McCabe said.
“The COVID-19 voting arrangements are in the Groom Service Plan, which is available on the AEC website at https://www.aec.gov.au/serviceplan”
Mr McCabe said the AEC would be looking to fill a range of temporary positions for the Groom by-election.
“Working on elections is interesting and rewarding, and the AEC will be needing new and experienced staff to carry out roles before, on and after by-election day,” he said.
“If you want to be considered for a short-term AEC job, please submit an online registration of interest – or update your existing registration – by visiting https://www.aec.gov.au/employment/working-at-elections/index.htm”
| Issue of writ | Monday 26 October |
| Postal vote applications open | 4pm AEST Thursday 8 October |
Close of rolls |
8pm AEST Monday 2 November |
Close of nominations |
12 midday AEST Thursday 5 November |
Declaration of nominations |
12 midday AEST Friday 6 November |
| Early voting starts | Wednesday 11 November |
| Postal vote applications close | 6pm AEST Wednesday 25 November |
By-election day |
Saturday 28 November |
Return of writ |
on or before Wednesday 3 February |
The AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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