LABOR / GREENS BLOCK VOTER INTEGRITY BILL

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has condemned Labor and the Greens for joining forces to vote down voter integrity measures proposed as part of his Electoral Amendment (Voter ID and Electronic Mark-Off) Bill.

Whilst Mr Ward received support from the Coalition and Independents, Labor and Greens MPs had the numbers to vote it down.

“Why doesn’t the government want to ensure integrity in the electoral process,” Mr Ward said.

“This bill would have provided for electronic mark-off rather than the use of paper rolls. This measure would prevent multiple voting and save paper.

“This bill would have also required someone to show some form of ID when they go to vote to prevent voter fraud.

“With the NSW Electoral Commission reporting that more than 3,000 people voted twice, this measure is simple and necessary, and I’m disappointed that the Government and the Greens don’t support it.

“Some countries require you to dip your finger in ink after you’ve voted. These countries have stronger voter integrity laws than NSW.

“With so many close electoral contests, this bill is in the interests of safeguarding our democracy. Clearly, Labor and the Greens think they have something to gain by having weak voter integrity measures,” Mr Ward concluded

ENDS.