Election 2022: Yass Valley Questions Answered

The euphemism goes that “If you haven’t heard about the up-coming federal election then you must be living under a rock”. In the lead up to the election, the merits and deficits of major parties is the bread and butter of major news companies. However, we’ve put together some answers to questions we’ve heard on the street:

When is the federal election?

The election is being held on Saturday 21st May 2022.

Can I vote electronically?

No. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) conducts federal elections in accordance with the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918. The introduction of electronic voting would require legislative change, which is a matter for Parliament.

Can I do a postal vote?

You are eligible to apply for a postal vote if you are unable to get to a polling place on election day. The AEC encourages people in this position to apply as soon as they know they are eligible.

The AEC cannot send your voting pack until the ballot papers have been printed. The earliest the AEC can send out your pack is 26th April 2022. If you do not apply as soon as possible, you may have to choose an alternative way to vote.

You can apply for a postal vote here: https://www.aec.gov.au/election/pva.htm

Where are the polling places in the Yass Valley?

The following is a list of polling places in the Yass Valley. They will be open from 8am to 6pm on election day:

• Yass High School, 39 Grampian St, Yass
• St Clements Church Hall, 17 Church St, Yass
• Yass Memorial Hall, 88 Comur St, Yass
• Bowning Community Hall, 5 Short St, Bowning
• Murrumbateman Recreation Ground Hall, Barton Highway, Murrumbateman
• Binalong Public School, 10 Dickinson St, Binalong
• Gundaroo Public School, Lot St, Gundaroo
• Sutton Public School, 18 Victoria St, Gundaroo.

Can I vote before the 21st May 2022?

You can vote before election day. The Yass Valley early voting centre is St Clements Church Hall, 17 Church St, Yass. The details are as follows:

• Mon 9 May – Fri 13 May: 8:30am–5:30pm
• Sat 14 May: 9am–4pm
• Mon 16 May – Thu 19 May: 8:30am–5:30pm
• Fri 20 May: 8:30am–6pm.

__Who are the candidates I can vote for? __

You can look up the candidates for the Eden-Monaro electorate (Yass Valley is in the Eden-Monaro electorate) here: https://www.aec.gov.au/election/candidates.htm

How can I check that I’m on the electoral roll?

You can check your enrollment at www.aec.gov.au/check.

I haven’t updated my address since the last time I moved. How can I fix this?

Every time you move or change your name, you need to update your enrollment with your new details. You can change your details online at www.aec.gov.au. You can also visit any AEC office for an enrolment application.

__How many people do I have to vote for? __

At a federal election, you are voting to elect people to represent you in the two houses of the Australian Parliament: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

You will receive two ballot papers: a green one to vote for a representative for the Eden-Monaro electorate in the House of Representatives, and a white one to vote for a representative of your state or territory in the Senate.

Instructions on how to vote are printed on the ballot papers. If you make a mistake or you are unsure what to do just ask a polling official for help.

• Topics:

• Elections
• Politics