The AEC issued a call for all voters in the division of Fadden in the northern Gold Coast region to vote in Saturday’s by-election to replace Stuart Robert.

AEC commissioner Tom Rogers said the number of votes cast so far were below expectations.

The poll was being held in the middle of a national debate about Robotdebt, a social welfare repayment system that was overseen by Robert under the Coalition Government.

Labor has been campaigning on the theme of the by-election being a chance for voters to express their attitude about Robotdebt.

The Liberals have a 10 per cent margin in the seat and would normally be expected to hold Fadden. Up until the Aston by-election earlier this year, governments traditionally lost by-elections but Labor’s Mary Doyle achieved a 6 per cent swing in that poll to win the seat.

“By-elections have traditionally had less people participate than in a full federal election but it’s just as important to have your say,” Rogers said.

“The early voting numbers we’re seeing are down by approximately 27 per cent based on the same period in 2022 federal election.”

“Typically, if someone casts their vote early in one election, they’ll do so in the next one as well – and we’re not quite seeing that here which makes us worry about low participation.

Early voting centres were already open across the electorate and postal vote applications close at 6pm tonight.

Rogers said voters could take advantage of the additional locations.

“We’ve sent every Fadden household an official guide to the by-election, we’re communicating where we can through advertising, social media and in discussion with media representatives,” Rogers said.

“We’re also sending text messages and emails to Fadden residents we have the contact details for – it’s a reminder of their right and responsibility to vote.

“It’s more communication than we’ve ever done for a single by-election but ultimately we know that political campaigning activities and media coverage will always be key vehicles for awareness and motivation to vote.

“It’s compulsory to vote at a by-election, as it is at a federal election or a referendum.

“Failure to vote may result in a fine and will mean you have no say on who represents you in federal parliament.”

Fadden’s 6 pre-poll voting centres will be open until 6pm on Friday night, and 29 polling places will be open on polling day – Saturday 15 July – from 8am to 6pm.

For locations and opening hours, visit aec.gov.au/fadden or call us on 13 23 26.

Approximately 16,000 people had cast their vote at an early voting centre up until Monday. This compares to approximately 22,000 votes cast in Fadden at the same stage in the 2022 federal election.

24,000 postal vote applications have been submitted.

131,340 eligible electors were enrolled at the close of rolls for the Fadden by-election.