Counting will continue in two Tasmanian Legislative Council races today, with the contest in Huon still too close to call between two independents and Liberal Jo Palmer on track to hold Rosevears.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission resumed counting and began rechecks yesterday, after Saturday’s elections in the southern division of Huon and the northern division of Rosevears.
All provisional, out-of-division and telephone votes have now been added to the tally.
In Huon, independent Dean Harriss leads on 30.36% of first preferences, narrowly ahead of fellow independent Clare Gladewright on 27.85%.
Labor’s Abby McKibben sits third on 16.44%, followed by Greens candidate Paul Gibson on 15.29%.
Independents Michael Rowan and Tyler Petersen trail on 5.43% and 4.63%.
The margin between Harriss and Gladewright is just 535 votes, meaning preferences from the lower-polling candidates will likely decide the seat.
Turnout in Huon has reached 77.97% from 28,631 enrolled voters.
In Rosevears, Palmer holds a commanding lead on 42.61%, ahead of Labor’s Ben McKinnon on 24.67%.
Greens candidate Charlene McLennan has 16.76% and independent Susan Monson 15.95%.
Turnout sits at 76.67% from 28,771 enrolled voters.
The electoral commission has cautioned the figures are still moving, but said major shifts are unlikely today.
“The tally is unlikely to change significantly [on Tuesday],” the commission said in a statement.
“Updates will be published throughout the day as rechecks are completed.”
Postal votes remain a key factor, particularly in Huon.
Under procedural changes legislated in 2024, the commission must confirm each elector has not already voted by another method before their postal ballot can be counted.
That verification work will take place on Wednesday, with postal votes to be counted on Thursday morning.
Progressive figures are available on the Tasmanian Electoral Commission website.
