Media contact
Keith Eaton
Manager Operations & Public Awareness, NSW State Office
Phone: (02) 9375 6312 • Mobile: 0412 269 720
1 December 2009
Make sure your vote counts in the Bradfield by-election
With a record number of 22 candidates in the Bradfield by-election, the Australian Electoral
Commission (AEC) is reminding electors of the importance of taking time to carefully
number every box on the ballot paper they receive on election day.
The Divisional Returning Officer for Bradfield, Yvonne Harrison, said “People could vote
from 8am to 6pm at any of the 37 polling places in the Bradfield electorate on election day,
Saturday 5 December.”
“I urge electors to carefully read the instructions on the green ballot paper. You must
number every box on the ballot paper from 1 to 22 in the order of your choice and make
sure no numbers are repeated or any box is left blank.”
“Polling officials are available at every polling place to assist electors and if you do make a
mistake just ask a polling official for a replacement ballot paper.”
To find your nearest polling place, including polling places with full or assisted disability
Ms Harrison also reminded electors that while political parties or candidates may suggest to
their supporters to vote in a particular way, it is entirely up to electors to decide where their
preferences go when completing the ballot paper.
Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over and enrolled
in the electorate of Bradfield.
“If you’re going to be outside the Bradfield electorate on election day you can vote now at
an early voting centre or by post, simply visit www.aec.gov.au for more details,” she said.
The by-election will be conducted using the same electoral boundaries for Bradfield as used
at the 2007 federal election.
For more information on the Bradfield by-election visit www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on
13 23 26.
NEWS 
