Queensland voters should be asked ahead of the election if they want elections free from how-to-vote cards being handed out at polling booths.

One Nation candidate for Keppel James Ashby said HTVs were unnecessary and did little to inform voters of candidates’ track records or intentions if elected.

“I handed out HTVs in Cawarral on Saturday for local government elections and you could see it,” Mr Ashby said. “The body language of voters as they approach the polling booth and are met by a dozen people waving leaflets in front of their noses is quite telling.

“Their shoulders end up half way around their heads as they squeeze through the mob and politely say ‘no thank you’. Others pretend to be on mobile phone calls to purposely ignore the hoards of overly keen candidates and their supporters.

“For many voters their mind is already made up. For others who haven’t, HTVs don’t really do much to inform voters of the track records and intentions of candidates.

“It’s about time we allow electors the chance to vote in peace. HTVs are wasted paper, intimidating, and just plain old unnecessary. Before the state election in October, the people should be asked if they want some or all polling booths where they can vote without being hassled by party supporters and HTVs.

“We’d be better off reinstating civics in school classrooms so that kids learn how to complete a ballot paper, and the differences between federal, state, territory and local government voting requirements. Better informed voters will result in better politicians and better outcomes.

“The model in Tasmania works very well. There are buffer zones of several hundred metres around polling booths preventing political parties, candidates and volunteers from getting anywhere near voters.”