Record election no-show
QUEENSLAND'S recent local government elections have produced a record low voter turnout and a record high informal vote, according to a detailed analysis of the results of the poll.
The Local Government Association of Queensland found voter turnout at the April 28 elections was 80.3%, compared with about 91% in the recent state election.
The informal vote in mayoral contests was 4.15%, compared with 2.15% percent in the state poll.
The results come as controversy surrounds the conduct of the elections, with reports some voters received the wrong ballot papers or conflicting advice on how to vote.
There were also claims some polling places ran out of ballot papers.
LGAQ spokesman Greg Hoffman said the results were further evidence that councils should be given the choice as to how to conduct their elections.
Mr Hoffman said it was clear the Electoral Commission of Queensland had misunderstood the complexity and diversity of electoral arrangements across 73 councils.
"The ECQ has simply not responded with adequate resources, appropriately skilled returning officers and public education at the local level," he said.
