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Australian Electoral Commission
AEC polling officials will continue work today to progress the count in the New England by-election.
The Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales, Warwick Austin said today that his staff would heavily focus on 'fresh scrutiny', involving a recheck of the almost 90,000 ballot papers counted last night.
No matter what the count on by-election night indicates, the 'fresh scrutiny' check of all ballots is mandatory by law for by-elections and full federal elections.
"It is vital that electoral laws are strictly adhered to and our polling officials will ensure work progresses as quickly as possible but also that it is done correctly," Mr Austin said.
Due to the detailed requirements set out under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and the complex logistics involved, official declarations of election results always take a matter of days, not hours to complete.
Ballot papers were packaged and securely transported to a central New England count centre ready for today.
Candidate appointed scrutineers are permitted to view the scrutiny, counting and checking of ballots throughout the counting process.
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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