By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
CANDIDATES called for an end to attendance voting at Greater Dandenong council elections after voter turnout dipped last Saturday.
Roz Blades, who was successfully re-elected, said voting needed to be made easier for people, noting the 10-plus per cent informal vote in Paperbark and Silverleaf wards.
‘Informal’ was the fourth-highest poll-winner in Paperbark’s 14-candidate field.
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‘‘I noticed there was a lot of candidates campaigning on computers, with their own blogs and websites. We’re moving more into an electronic age,’’ Cr Blades said.
‘‘Maybe we should look at more modern technology so it’s easier for people to vote.’’
Jim Memeti, re-elected in Red Gum ward, said more voters were opting for pre-poll ballots rather than queuing up at Saturday’s electoral booths.
‘‘I’m going to push for postal voting for future council elections.’’
Greater Dandenong is one of eight councils that required voters to attend electoral booths on Saturday. Most councils required voters to post their ballot papers by last Friday.
Just 59.94 per cent of enrolled voters casting a ballot in Red Gum ward (compared to 63.15 per cent in 2008).
In the other wards, voter turnout was about 72 per cent — 3 per cent less than four years ago.
