IT’S everyone’s right to express their opinion through the ballot paper, but at this year’s state election, it was harder to do so than normal.
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It’s believed fewer staff manning the polling station at Junee High School is to blame for queues lasting up to 30 minutes.
Only 2200 ballot papers are prepared for Junee, and while queues might be expected in metropolitan areas, it was a shock to several volunteer campaigners.
Voters reported there were at times just three or four people marking off names from the electoral roll.
The Nationals’ Pam Halliburton said Saturday’s arrangement was totally inadequate and is planning to lodge an official complaint.
“We’re very concerned that the NSW Electoral Commission has not allocated a staff member to stand next to the ballot boxes to ensure people actually cast their votes,” Mrs Halliburton said.
“It could potentially have adverse effects on the vote count.
“It will be interesting to see how many votes have been recorded.”
Volunteers from Country Labor, the Greens, Shooters and Fishers and No Land Tax parties were with Mrs Halliburton.
Mrs Halliburton’s staffing concerns extended to more than just the day of the election and included the pre-poll at Junee Shire Council chambers.
She said there was only one person assigned, assisted for just two hours of the day allowing them to take a lunch break.
“There should be two people there to ensure the integrity of the vote,” Mrs Halliburton said.
