The Equality Campaign is reminding supporters they have one last chance to vote YES for marriage equality — by hand delivering their postal survey forms by tomorrow afternoon.

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With the deadline now passed to return the forms by post, the only option left for the majority of eleventh-hour voters is to personally deliver forms to drop-off centres at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

A small number of online voters issued with a Secure Access Code have until 9pm to register their response.

The drop-off centres are open until 4.30 pm in every state and territory capital city, except Melbourne, which is closed for the Melbourne Cup public holiday.

Alex Greenwich, from the Equality Campaign, said for people who like to leave things to the last minute – this was the last chance.

“We know that many Australians like to work to a deadline – well that deadline has well and truly arrived.

“Posting your YES is now not an option, but there is still time to hand deliver your vote directly to the ABS or vote online if that applies to you.

“If your survey form is still on the kitchen table, or in the bottom of your gym bag, get it out, fill it in and take it to the ABS drop-off centre before 4.30pm on Tuesday. The addresses are there on the ABS website.

“Do it first thing in the morning or on the way to your Melbourne Cup party. This is too important not to act – even this late in the process. Every Australian deserves to have their voices heard on fairness and equality for their LGBTI family and friends,” Greenwich said.

The ABS last week estimated that more than 12.3 million people, or 77% of eligible voters, had participated in the postal survey. A further estimate will be released tomorrow afternoon.

The Equality Campaign’s Shirleene Robinson said the high turnout was encouraging, but the Campaign would work until the survey closes to ensure every last YES vote is returned.

“There’s still time to show our politicians that we won’t settle for anything less than fairness and equality for LGBTI Australians.

“What better way to guarantee that your YES vote is counted than to personally deliver it?

“There’s still 24 hours to make a decisive contribution on the side of fairness and equality for all.

“Don’t wake up on 15 November and regret not having your say,” Robinson said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will accept marriage postal survey forms and it’s drop-off centre until 4:30pm on Tuesday. The ABS office is at Level 1, Durack Centre, 263 Adelaide Terrace, Perth.

Source: Media Release from The Equality Campaign