The writ marking the start of the election period for the 2020 Queensland general election was issued today by Governor Paul de Jersey.
Queensland Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said the the writ started the election timetable for October's poll.
"With the writ issued today, we can open candidate nominations tomorrow Wednesday 7 October and they will close at noon on Sunday 11 October," Mr Vidgen said.
"While many have already publicly thrown their hat into the ring, there is still a process that must be followed when nominating to run in an election.
"Candidates require a deposit of $250, must be nominated either by the registered officer of a registered political party, or if non-endorsed, by six persons or more enrolled in the electoral district, none of whom have previously nominated a candidate for the election.
"As there are specific rules around nominations, independent/non-endorsed candidates are encouraged to seek nominations from more than six electors with current enrolment in their electoral district, to make sure they will be eligible to stand.
"There are also changes to funding and disclosure rules for this election including the requirements for candidates to show they have a dedicated campaign bank account.
"It is important candidates, registered political parties, associated entities, groups and individuals are aware of the requirements and obligations."
Mr Vidgen said that after nominations closed, the ballot paper order draw would be undertaken on the afternoon of Sunday, October 11, and then ballot papers printed.
ECQ returning officers will work over the weekend to process nominations and conduct the ballot draw so printing can start as soon as possible.
"Once the ballot papers have been printed, the ECQ can begin sending them to electors who have registered for a postal vote," Mr Vidgen said.
"We encourage postal voters to vote, sign, witness and return their ballot paper in the envelope as soon as possible, to ensure it can be included in the count before the deadline on 10 November."
Anyone interested in nominating should go to the ECQ website for information.
Further details of the election timetable and other information is on the site.
Early voting will start from Monday, October 19, at more than 200 sites across the state and will be operating with extended opening hours for the two-week period to October 30, including Saturday, October 24.
Election day is Saturday, October 31, and about 1300 polling booths will be open from 8am to 6pm.
- Find your early voting centre here
- Make sure you're correctly enrolled at aec.gov.au
- View the enrol to vote animation go to YouTube
- The ECQ's media statements are at ecq.qld.gov.au/media
- Read the ECQ's Election Service Plan
- Nominating process for the state election fact sheet
- Read more about Disclosure of political donations
- Information for Election participants
