Over 132,000 Tasmanians have already cast their votes in the 2025 state election, with polling places across the state now open for the rest to have their say.
The early voting tally represents 32% of total enrolments and marks a big jump from the 108,529 early votes recorded in 2024, according to Electoral Commissioner Andrew Hawkey.
Despite wet and windy conditions forecast across much of Tasmania, voters are still turning out at the state’s 256 polling places.
“With poor weather forecast across much of the state and sunset before polls close, I encourage people to vote earlier in the day if they can,” Hawkey said.
Those heading to major events today are being urged to plan ahead, with queues likely at polling places near busy venues such as UTAS Stadium in Launceston, where an AFL match is on.
In-person pre-poll voting proved the most popular early option, with 101,082 ballot papers issued across 15 locations.
Braddon recorded the highest early turnout with 23,123 votes, followed by Franklin with 21,405.
Close to 7,000 votes have come in from interstate and overseas voters via the telephone voting service, which remains open for eligible voters until 6pm tonight.
Of the 30,545 postal ballot packs sent out, around 80% have already been returned.
Election staff will begin counting first-preference votes as soon as polls close at 6pm, with initial results expected from around 6:45pm.
Election analyst Kevin Bonham will be tracking the numbers live on Pulse Tasmania here.
Counting will take place tonight at nine of the state’s pre-poll centres, with the remaining six to be tallied tomorrow.
Around 1,900 staff have been brought on board to help run the election across polling places, election offices and call centres.
