Early voting for the Queensland State Election is now open ahead of the official polling day on Saturday 26 October.
Voting before election day has become increasingly popular in Australia in recent years.
To find out where you can vote early or for other information, click here.
One of the key reasons is how much more accessible it’s become. The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has ramped up the number of early voting centres and extended their opening hours. This extra flexibility makes it much easier for people to vote when it suits them, especially for those who lead busy lives or may have trouble getting to a polling place on election day.
Convenience is a major factor driving this change. Many voters like being able to cast their ballot early, avoiding the crowds and long lines that often form on election day. It’s also a good option for those who are traveling or working and might not be able to vote on the day itself. The ability to vote when it fits into your schedule has become an attractive choice.
The COVID-19 pandemic also had a big impact on early voting. During lockdowns and social distancing measures, a lot of Queenslanders opted to vote early to avoid gathering in crowds. Even though restrictions have lifted, this trend has stuck around, as people became more comfortable with the convenience of voting ahead of time.
Political parties have caught on too. They now focus more of their campaign efforts on securing early votes, knowing that a large portion of the electorate likes to make their decision well before election day. This shift in voter behaviour reflects a growing preference for flexible voting methods, with more Queenslanders embracing the ease and efficiency of early voting.
In recent elections, it’s become clear that early voting is here to stay. It’s no longer just a backup option for those with tricky schedules – it’s becoming the go-to choice for a significant chunk of Queensland voters.
The big issues this election have been crime, cost of living and housing and it’s shaping up to be a battle between Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader, David Crisafulli.
However, eyes will be on the close seats or where neither major party wins a clear majority as the Greens, Katter’s Australian Party, and One Nation could influence the outcome.
Queensland is currently divided into 93 state electorates.
To find out what electorate you’ll be voting in, you can enter your address into the ECQ’s electorate finder.
