By Vanessa Chircop
RESIDENTS of Hobsons Bay won’t need to turn up to polling booths at next year’s council election with councillors voting last week to hold the 2012 election by postal voting.
The decision, which is expected to save the council more than $30,000, was made after an online poll resulted in 167 people voting in favour of postal voting and 24 in favour of attendance.
Cr Michael Raffoul said postal elections are more convenient and accessible for elderly and disabled residents.
“Participation rate increases with postal voting,” he said.
Cr John Hogg said the savings made by the council would benefit the community.
“The feedback I’ve got from the community is strongly supporting this move,” he said.
But not everyone voted in favour of the change.
Cr Angela Altair, who raised concerns when it was first brought to the council last month, voted against the motion.
Cr Altair said voting against the motion was a matter of principle.
“I do believe attendance voting is still the best method,” she said.
“Postal voting is very much still available and still an option for people who would prefer.
“Really effective candidates know how to exploit the postal voting system.”
Cr Altair also raised concerns for the community groups that would miss out on fundraising on the day.
“If it’s good enough for State and Federal Government than it should be good enough for local government.”
The motion was passed six votes to one.
