Mount Isa debate cancelled as ECQ proceeds with council elections

The newspaper and public broadcaster say the event has been cancelled due to public health concerns as the COVID-19 virus spreads.

Both media organisations have invited the mayoral candidates to attend a virtual meeting on social media, and details of that will be forthcoming if the candidates agree.

Meanwhile the Electoral Commission of Queensland says it is monitoring statements by the Prime Minister and the advice of health authorities in considering how to conduct polling in these elections.

"The local government elections are proceeding in accordance with advice that only non-essential mass gatherings should be cancelled", Queensland's Electoral Commissioner, Pat Vidgen said.

"Elections facilitate an essential service by providing for democratic representation for Queenslanders.

"However, we recognise that this is an extraordinary situation and are adapting our service model accordingly. This includes additional hygiene precautions and people management measures to be implemented at the nearly 1500 early voting centres and polling booths across Queensland.

"I ask for the understanding and cooperation of all voters to make sure that the elections are conducted smoothly and with minimal impact on voters and election staff.

"This is a unique and evolving situation and we will update voters if circumstances change. I encourage people to check the ECQ website for up-to-date information about how to cast their vote", Mr Vidgen said.

Applications for postal votes will close at 7pm tonight (March 16). This deadline is established under the legislation for the election on March 28 and cannot be altered by the ECQ.

"Understandably, there has been a huge demand for postal votes this weekend. Since Friday afternoon, we have received over 96,000 new applications for postal votes", Mr Vidgen said.

The ECQ extended its operating hours over the weekend in order to respond to the anticipated level of demand.

Additionally, the ECQ will be implementing a range of new measures for people attending early voting centres and polling booths to vote in-person.

This includes sourcing additional supplies of hand sanitiser for use by voters at polling booths. Due to high levels of demand, these supplies are expected to be available at early voting centres by mid-week.

Voters are also encouraged to bring their own pen or pencil with them to vote as an additional hygiene precaution.

Other measures include:

Early voting will start from Monday, March 16 and generally open from 9am to 5pm during the first week of early voting, and from 9am to 6pm during the second week of early voting. The ECQ will be monitoring demand and is exploring options to extend voting hours.

Voting is compulsory.

Key election dates:

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