The Coober Pedy Community Alliance has formally written to the Electoral Commission of South Australia regarding the unexpected removal of the town’s Election Day Election Day Polling Place, without notice or cause.

To the Electoral Commission of South Australia, COMPLAINTS DEPARTMENT.

Coober Pedy voters have recently become aware that the town will not operate as an official Polling Place on Saturday, 21 March, for the South Australian State Election.

No formal notification of this change was provided to the community. Instead, residents have been left to infer that the introduction of pre-poll voting this year has (or may have) replaced the town’s long-standing Election Day Polling Place, which has historically served local residents, travellers and those from surrounding areas.

Pre-poll voting was conducted at the Coober Pedy TAFE from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, 14 March, and again on Sunday, 15 March, from 9 am to 11 am. These limited and irregular hours were insufficient to meet the needs of many residents, particularly those who were working, travelling, or otherwise engaged. A significant number of voters reasonably relied on the expectation that they would be able to cast their vote locally on the official election day, as has consistently been the case in previous elections.

As a direct consequence of this unannounced change, residents are now attempting to avoid penalties for failing to vote by seeking alternative arrangements, including travelling significant distances. The nearest polling location appears to be Andamooka, approximately 480 kilometres south-east of Coober Pedy, requiring a journey of nearly five hours each way. This is neither reasonable nor accessible for many members of our community.

Be assured, our residents want to vote.    This situation raises serious concerns regarding equitable access to the democratic process for remote and regional voters. The effective removal of an election day polling place, without clear and timely communication, has placed an unreasonable burden on residents and risks disenfranchising eligible voters.

Accordingly, the Coober Pedy community respectfully requests:

1. A formal explanation as to why the Election Day Polling Place in Coober Pedy was removed or replaced without adequate public notice or consultation.
2. A formal apology to the residents of Coober Pedy for the lack of communication, the disruption caused and the rights removed.
3. Written confirmation that no fines or penalties will be issued to any Coober Pedy resident who has been unable to vote as a direct result of these changes.
4. Urgent consideration of remedial action, including the reinstatement of a local polling option where practicable, or the provision of accessible alternative voting arrangements for affected residents.
5. Assurance that future electoral processes in the Far North will include appropriate consultation, notice, and equitable access for remote communities.

This matter is of significant concern to our community. We request a prompt response outlining the Commission’s position and intended actions to address these issues.

Sincerely,

John Di Donna
George Rosewarne
Teena Rosewarne (JP)
Margaret Mackay

Coober Pedy Community Alliance