RESIDENTS and ratepayers are encouraged to get their ballots in to the local government elections before voting closes on Friday.
As of 4pm yesterday, 5855 out of a possible 19,336 eligible Mount Gambier City Council voters (30pc) had their ballots received and scanned by the Electoral Commission of South Australia.
The 2018 contest is one of the biggest in the council’s history, with 19 candidates – including seven incumbents – seeking eight vacancies.
Current Mayor Andrew Lee faces a challenge from businesswoman Lynette Martin and former school teacher Mark Jones for the elected leadership role.
Mount Gambier City Council chief executive Mark McShane said the latest postal returns summary indicated the voter turnout would be on par with 2014 results.
“The numbers are getting up there and it has been a solid return to date,” he said.
“Counting today, we have three days remaining and we anticipate it will be up at the 40pc mark if not greater.
“40pc matches what we were at with the 2014 elections, where we had around 40pc of eligible voters return their ballots.
“At the 2010 election, we saw about a 33pc return rate so we have increased it and we look forward to increasing it further.”
Mr McShane encouraged community members to have their say and return their completed ballot.
“I am very pleased with the turnout so far, but I would certainly encourage everyone with an envelope at home to vote,” he said.
“If people are running out of time, they can deliver them to our council office.
“The ballot box will be available up until 5pm on Friday.”
According to the Electoral Commission of South Australia, 1559 votes had been received from a potential 5504 voters in Grant District Council.
More than 1204 ballots have been returned for the Central Ward contest, which sees 11 candidates vying for seven vacancies, including current councillors Barry Kuhl, Bruce Bain and Julie Reis.
Newcomers Brad Mann, Jody Elliot, Des Scheidl, Megan Dukalskis, Robert Elliot, Kylie Boston, Byron Gilmore and Tony Burch are also contesting the election.
Incumbent councillors Shirley Little (Tarpeena Ward) and Gill Clayfield (Port MacDonnell Ward) were elected unopposed.
The mayoral election sees a two-man match up between current Mayor Richard Sage and councillor Alan Hill.
Totals for mayoral candidates are not provided by the Electoral Commission of South Australia as ballot paper envelopes are not opened until November 10 at the scrutiny and count.
Voting returns across the region are varied, ranging from a high of 46.6pc in Robe, 44.2pc in Kingston and 31.7pc in Naracoorte Lucindale.
One-third (35.7pc) of Wattle Range Council’s 8478 eligible voters have returned their ballot, while Tatiara District Council is currently sitting on a return rate of 33.5pc.
Voting packs, which were sent to enrolled voters registered on the state electoral roll as well as those who have enrolled on their council’s voters roll, contain candidate profile brochures, ballot papers, a reply paid envelope and postal voting guide.
Contact the Electoral Commission SA on 1300 655 232 if you have not received a voting pack.
