2020 Territory Election – 100 Days to Go

Tomorrow (May 14) marks 100 days till Election Day for the 2020 Northern Territory Legislative Assembly General Election.

Following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic the Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC) is gearing up to conduct the election under circumstances it has never faced before.

“Preparing for an election in the middle of a pandemic has presented the NTEC with a unique set of challenges,” NTEC Commissioner Iain Loganathan said.

“First and foremost the NTEC has been planning to ensure we provide a safe environment to vote.”

Part of that planning includes the development of an NTEC 2020 Territory Election Covid19 Management Plan.

The plan outlines measures that the NTEC will be undertaking to ensure a safe election for all Territorians, including encouraging them to early or postal vote to minimise queues on Election Day.

Key measures for the 2020 Territory Election include: * An increase in the number of early voting centres * An awareness campaign to promote postal voting * Single-use pencils for electors * Hand sanitiser supplied and hygiene protocols followed at all voting centres * Strict social distancing protocols followed at all voting centres

“The pandemic means that certain things about how the election is conducted will change,” Mr Loganathan said.

“However, one thing remains the same. Voting is still compulsory.”

Territorians wishing to lodge a postal vote or check their enrolment are encouraged to do so at www.ntec.nt.gov.au or by calling the NTEC on 1800 698 683.

The NTEC 2020 Territory Election Covid-19 Management Plan and supporting documentation will be available on the Commission’s website soon.