As positive cases of COVID-19 continue to grown throughout the Mid Coast local government area, mayor David West is concerned for the wellbeing of voters as pre-polling venues, leading up to this year's local government election, prepare to open.
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"We are 90 per cent vaccinated, but that leaves 10 per cent or 6400 of eligible residents who are not vaccinated," Cr West said.
After being postponed twice - in September 2020 and 2021 - due to the pandemic, Cr West said he supported the State government's decision to go ahead with the election on Saturday December 4.
However, he was anxious about voters respecting social distancing rules, the double use of pens and the efficient cleaning of polling venues and polling booths.
"The police won't be able to do it so it will be up to the polling officer or booth manager to police, to ensure that every desk and pens are cleaned," he said.
"They will also have to make sure social distancing outside the building is adhered to."
That would be almost impossible, (to police) especially when you consider the number of people who are not fully vaccinated or has had only one vaccination.
- MidCoast Council mayor, David West
He also questioned who was going to manage the 100 metre rule, a rule which prohibited candidates and their supporters from displaying promotional material within 100 metres of a pre or polling venue.
"The reason for the 100 metres is to dissuade people from interfering with other people; but they can display A-frames.
"They cannot hand out pamphlets, they cannot approach people and they have to be masked."
At the same time, Cr West said those people were not required to provide proof or did not have to be double vaccinated.
"That would be almost impossible, (to police) especially when you consider the number of people who are not fully vaccinated or has had only one vaccination.
"I am really concerned.
"We looked after one another during the bushfires, we looked after one another during the floods, we have to look after one another now.
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"This is such an insidious disease and we don't know who has got it in the community.
"As the mayor I am mindful of everyone's safety; it is my responsibility."
Cr West said his concerns also had been shared with fellow mayors across the State, who echoed his fears.
He urged residents to consider iVote, which allows eligible voters to cast their vote online or over the telephone, or a postal vote.
Pre-polling booths open this Monday, November 22 at four venues across the Mid Coast LGA, Forster, Tuncurry, Tea Gardens, Taree and Gloucester.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
