Early voting opens in virus-era NT poll

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Early voting in the Northern Territory election starts on Monday with 111 candidates lining up for the poll. A total of 141,225 Territorians are now on the electoral roll and eligible to vote in the August 22 election. So far 6500 Territorians have applied for postal votes, but many more are expected. The NT has single-digit active COVID-19 cases, but no evidence of community transmission. The Northern Territory Electoral Commission is encouraging voters to use early and postal voting as part of its strategy to minimise the spread of the virus. "Both options will limit the congregation of people in one location, and allow Territorians to vote without having to travel," the commission said. "It is expected there will be an increase in electors utilising these voting methods. "At the 2016 election just under 35 per cent of votes were cast on election day, with the figure expected to fall well below that in this years poll. Opinion polls are pointing to Labor, led by Chief Minister Michael Gunner, retaining majority government in the 25-seat assembly. The Gunner government has been dogged by concerns about the struggling NT economy and its handling of law and order issues. But Mr Gunner has been praised for his efforts in tackling COVID-19 and reopening the NTs economy. Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro, who took over in February, has a huge task to take her party from two seats to victory. Preferences from the fledgling Territory Alliance and independents will be crucial to a CLP win.