Early voting begins today in the 2015 North Sydney by-election

Early voting for the 2015 North Sydney by-election is underway today for eligible voters who will be unable to attend a polling place on by-election day, Saturday 5 December.

The Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales, Mr Doug Orr said there were clear qualifications set out in the Commonwealth Electoral Act (Electoral Act) for 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 36 polling places open in the federal electoral Division of North Sydney on Saturday 5 December, you can vote early," Mr Orr 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."

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

Alternatively, eligible voters can apply for a postal vote. If postal voting is your only option, you should apply immediately.

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

Editors' notes

1. Map of the federal electoral Division of North Sydney (141KB)