Cook by-election heats up as AEC stirs concerns over low turnout
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As the Cook by-election looms this weekend, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has raised concerns about a potentially low voter turnout, which could have significant implications for the political landscape post-Scott Morrison.
The AEC has been tirelessly working to remind voters of the importance of casting their ballots, emphasising that every vote counts and that failing to participate could result in a fine.
The Cook by-election, triggered by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's departure, is a critical moment for the constituents of this southern Sydney seat.
Despite the AEC's efforts, including sending out official guides to every household, advertising, and engaging with the public through social media and text messages, early voting numbers are troublingly low.
‘While by-elections traditionally have lower turnout than a full federal election, it's still below expectations, and just as important to have your say,’ Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers stated.
‘The early voting numbers we're seeing are down by approximately 11.2 per cent based on the same period in the 2022 federal election, and nearly 13 per cent for the same period in the 2023 referendum in the division.’
‘Postal vote applications closed yesterday, and those numbers are down slightly as well.’
‘While it may be that more people vote on by-election day this time around, typically, if someone casts their vote early in one election, they'll do so in the next one—this is why the numbers we're seeing make us worry about low participation,’ he added.
As of the latest count, less than 18,500 residents have cast an early vote, a decrease from the 20,769 and 21,143 who voted early in the last federal election and the Voice to parliament referendum, respectively.
With just under 112,000 people enrolled to vote in Cook, the drop in early voting is a worrying sign of voter disengagement.
The AEC suggested that the low levels of political campaigning and media coverage could be contributing factors to the lackluster early voting turnout.
‘We've sent every Cook household an official guide, we're advertising, we're sending text messages and emails, we're also on social media regularly and in discussion with media representatives,’ Rogers pointed out.
‘While it is more communication for a single by-election than we've ever done, ultimately, we know that political campaigning activities and media coverage are always key vehicles for awareness and motivation.’
‘Failure to vote may result in a fine and will mean you have no say on who represents you in parliament,’ he continued.
In contrast to the recent by-elections in Melbourne's Aston and Dunkley, Cook has not seen the same level of political contestation.
The Liberal Party, which has held the seat since the 1970s, nominated management consultant Simon Kennedy as their candidate.
Meanwhile, the Labor Party opted not to field a candidate, which may have led to a perception that the outcome is a foregone conclusion.
Early voting centres are open until 6 pm today, April 12, and polling places will be open from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday.
If you're unsure where to vote, the AEC website provides all the necessary information to find your nearest polling place.
Are you participating in the Cook-by elections? What do you think is the reason for the low voter turnout this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The AEC has been tirelessly working to remind voters of the importance of casting their ballots, emphasising that every vote counts and that failing to participate could result in a fine.
The Cook by-election, triggered by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's departure, is a critical moment for the constituents of this southern Sydney seat.
Despite the AEC's efforts, including sending out official guides to every household, advertising, and engaging with the public through social media and text messages, early voting numbers are troublingly low.
The AEC is worried about a possible low voter turnout for the Cook by-election following Scott Morrison's departure. Credits: Instagram / Scott Morrison
‘While by-elections traditionally have lower turnout than a full federal election, it's still below expectations, and just as important to have your say,’ Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers stated.
‘The early voting numbers we're seeing are down by approximately 11.2 per cent based on the same period in the 2022 federal election, and nearly 13 per cent for the same period in the 2023 referendum in the division.’
‘Postal vote applications closed yesterday, and those numbers are down slightly as well.’
‘While it may be that more people vote on by-election day this time around, typically, if someone casts their vote early in one election, they'll do so in the next one—this is why the numbers we're seeing make us worry about low participation,’ he added.
As of the latest count, less than 18,500 residents have cast an early vote, a decrease from the 20,769 and 21,143 who voted early in the last federal election and the Voice to parliament referendum, respectively.
With just under 112,000 people enrolled to vote in Cook, the drop in early voting is a worrying sign of voter disengagement.
The AEC suggested that the low levels of political campaigning and media coverage could be contributing factors to the lackluster early voting turnout.
‘We've sent every Cook household an official guide, we're advertising, we're sending text messages and emails, we're also on social media regularly and in discussion with media representatives,’ Rogers pointed out.
‘While it is more communication for a single by-election than we've ever done, ultimately, we know that political campaigning activities and media coverage are always key vehicles for awareness and motivation.’
‘Failure to vote may result in a fine and will mean you have no say on who represents you in parliament,’ he continued.
In contrast to the recent by-elections in Melbourne's Aston and Dunkley, Cook has not seen the same level of political contestation.
The Liberal Party, which has held the seat since the 1970s, nominated management consultant Simon Kennedy as their candidate.
Meanwhile, the Labor Party opted not to field a candidate, which may have led to a perception that the outcome is a foregone conclusion.
Early voting centres are open until 6 pm today, April 12, and polling places will be open from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday.
If you're unsure where to vote, the AEC website provides all the necessary information to find your nearest polling place.
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