Queensland Election Day: Long Queues and Key Contests Mark Voting Day

Queenslanders heading to the polls today are encountering lengthy queues despite a significant number of voters having already cast their ballot in the Queensland elections. With the state hosting the two largest local councils in Australia, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the turnout is expected to be significant with over 3.5 million voters statewide.

The Queensland Electoral Commission reported that more than 1.4 million electors had already voted before election day, constituting over 40% of eligible voters. However, this high pre-voting number also signals the anticipation of long lines on election day at the over 1000 polling booths across the state.

Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, is vying for re-election against contenders Tracey Price from Labor and Jonathan Sriranganathan from the Greens. The local council elections are closely watched in wards like Paddington, Enoggera, Morningside, The Gabba, and Calamvale, where tight margins may influence outcomes.

Over on the Gold Coast, all eyes are on division seven where incumbent councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden is seeking re-election despite facing a murder charge involving his stepfather, Robert Malcolm Lumsden, at their Arundel home. The controversial candidacy has drawn criticism from rival candidates, state politicians like Sam O’Connor, and even prompted comments from Premier Steven Miles.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is also seeking re-election for a fourth term but faces stiff competition with eight challengers stepping up to the plate. Besides the local council races, two state government byelections in Inala and Ipswich West are being held due to the resignations of former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Jim Madden.