GALLERY: Electoral Commission of Queensland takes extra measures at Redlands voting stations

This comes after early voting opened today and the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) implemented extra measures to make sure a safe environment was provided to voters.

Early voting got off to a steady start this morning in Cleveland and tapered off throughout the day.

Candidates were out in full force campaigning outside the polling station and helping voters with information.

"I'm voting today because it's convenient. But with the threat of the coronavirus, I think it's probably better to get it done early," said voter Hilary Forshaw.

The ECQ will be implementing a range of new measures for people attending early voting centres and polling booths to vote in-person.

"We recognise that this is an extraordinary situation and are adapting our service model accordingly. This includes additional hygiene precautions and people management measures to be implemented at the nearly 1500 early voting centres and polling booths across Queensland," Queensland's Electoral Commissioner, Mr Pat Vidgen said.

This includes sourcing additional supplies of hand sanitiser for use by voters at polling booths. Due to high levels of demand, these supplies are expected to be available at early voting centres by mid-week.

Polling booths will be cleaned and regularly disinfected and issuing tables and screens will be positioned to maximise distance between people.

Division 2 hopeful Callen Sorensen Karklis said candidates were doing their best to prevent the spread of the virus by practising good hygiene at early voting centres but some were concerned about handing out how-to-vote cards.

Mr Vidgen said extra staff will be employed to assist with queue control and monitoring numbers of people in attendance.

"Understandably, there has been a huge demand for postal votes this weekend. Since Friday afternoon, we have received over 96,000 new applications for postal votes", Mr Vidgen said.

Applications for postal votes will close at 7pm tonight (March 16). To register for a postal vote log on to the ECQ here.

There are three pre-polling stations in the Redland:

Cleveland Baptist Church at 4 Danielle Street, Cleveland

Victoria Point Community Hall, cr Colburn Avenue and Link Road

Capalaba Place Hall, 19 Rickey Street, Capalaba

The polls are open from 9am to 5pm during the first week, and from 9am to 6pm during the second week of early voting. The ECQ will be monitoring demand and is exploring options to extend voting hours.