THE appearance of a thick white line on the footpath outside Corowa’s Oddfellows Hall has left some candidates in the Federation Council election race perplexed.
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The historic hall will become the election pre-poll centre for voters from Monday.
Under local government regulations relating to elections, candidates must not stand within six metres of an entrance to a polling place to ensure pedestrians still have access to the footpath.
Former Corowa councillor and candidate in the September 9 election, Francesco Bruinsma said the white line was a “bit over the top” even though he respected the need for pedestrians to be able to still use the footpath during the election period.
“All the candidates are smart people and understand the rules,” he said.
“They will be polite enough to allow pedestrians to go by.”
Another candidate, Mark Shields, said he couldn’t understand why the white line was necessary.
“I’m perplexed as to the reason why it has been put there,” he said.
“Candidates are here for the community and the last thing we would want to do is impede any community members.”
Federation Council and NSW Electoral Commission were both approached for comment by The Border Mail.
It’s unclear who will ensure candidates stay between the kerb and the white line and what penalties apply for non-compliance.
The Corowa pre-poll centre will be open for two weeks until September 8, but the Urana pre-poll centre will only open from September 4 and also shut September 8
Voters registered in the Federation election can also pre-poll at Sydney Town Hall.
On election day polling places are located at Corowa, Corowa South, Howlong, Lowesdale and Urana public schools, Oaklands Central School and Mulwala Civic Centre.
Forty-two candidates are contesting the election.
