Candidates and their helpers are no longer allowed to distribute how-to-vote cards.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said under new powers introduced in Parliament this week, the Electoral Commission of Queensland had issued the Directive to all candidates to find other ways to display their how-to-vote information.

"Use traditional election-size signs, put them on a table so voters can help themselves, print it on a t-shirt - there are plenty of ways to get the message across without having to get close to people," Mr Hinchliffe said said.

"Let's face it - it's 2020 and our candidates are all a pretty savvy lot so use social media and emails.

"The Directive also applies to other election material, including fliers, leaflets and voter information cards. And always adhere to Queensland Health guidelines."

The Directive comes as the State's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reiterated it was still safe to vote in the council elections on 28 March.

"The risk of contracting COVID-19 at a polling location is low," Dr Young has advised the ECQ.

"People will be frequently entering and exiting the environment, spending little time in static close contact, which reduces the risk of spread of COVID 19.

"I appreciate the measures being proposed by Electoral Commission Queensland as they should address the risk of community transmission of COVID-19, while allowing important electoral processes to continue."

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The Local Government Association of Queensland, representing 77 councils, has also thrown its support behind Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe in his public commitment to go ahead with statewide local government elections.

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President Mayor Mark Jamieson said Queenslanders needed certainty wherever possible, as the community faces one of the most critical periods in the last 100 years.

"We have had constructive discussions with the Minister about options for council elections as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve," Mayor Jamieson said.

"We have already seen an unprecedented number of residents vote early or apply for a postal vote. If this trend continues at least one-third of voters would have already had their say by the end of this week.

"We want residents to be able to take advantage of new opportunities for early voting in order to avoid large crowds on election day.

"The ECQ has advised early voting centres will be staying open tonight (Wednesday) and Thursday night until 9pm, as well as next Wednesday and Thursday.

"Early voting centres also will be open this Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

"We have faith in the good sense of the 3.2 million Queensland voters to continue to vote early and to stagger attendances on the actual polling day on March 28.

"Current health advice indicates attending a polling booth presents no higher risk than attending a shopping centre, going to school or work or using public transport."

The LGAQ has also welcomed the State's decision to expand telephone voting options for those residents in quarantine because they have been exposed to the virus or diagnosed with it.

READ ALSO: Campdraft events cancelled nationwide until May following COVID-19.

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