Early voting begins today in the 2015 Canning by-election

Early voting for the 2015 Canning by-election is underway today for eligible voters who will be unable to attend a polling place on by-election day, Saturday 19 September.

The Australian Electoral Officer for Western Australia, Marie Neilson said there were clear qualifications set out in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act) that entitled electors to have an early vote, either at an early voting centre or by having a postal vote.

"If you are unable to attend any of the 45 polling places open in the federal electoral Division of Canning on Saturday 19 September, you can vote early," Ms Neilson said.

"However, taking the opportunity to have an early vote purely out of convenience or personal preference is not a valid reason under the Electoral Act."

Canning voters who are travelling can vote early at any AEC divisional office across Australia.

Alternatively, eligible voters can apply for a postal vote at the Australian Electoral Commission's website at http://www.aec.gov.au/canning/pva.htm If postal voting is your only option, you should apply immediately.

The AEC will also be offering limited early voting services for FIFO workers at selected Perth airport departure terminals on weekdays from Monday 7 September.

For further details on early voting options for the Canning by-election, visit www.aec.gov.au/canning or call the AEC on 13 23 26.

Editor's notes

1. 2015 Canning by-election early voting locations, dates and times
2. Map of the federal electoral Division of Canning