Missing Ballot Papers Found: Close Election Race in Bradfield

In a surprising turn of events, nearly 2000 Australian federal election ballot papers went missing and were later found in a worker's home in Hurstville, New South Wales. The ballots, which had already been counted in the initial tally, were discovered missing during a mandatory recount. "The recount, which then went ahead, matched the initial count, and the electoral division of Barton was unaffected by the incident," a spokesperson stated. While this incident resolved without altering election results, it highlights the importance of secure ballot handling. Meanwhile, the race for the Sydney seat of Bradfield remains incredibly close. With the Liberals currently ahead of the Teals by a mere 80 votes, the outcome hangs in the balance as over 800 absent and pre-poll ballots await counting. This close contest underscores the significance of every vote and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding election processes.