ACT election likely to proceed in October, but should it?

The major parties both support the election happening on schedule, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

But former Liberal MLA and Belco Party founder Bill Stefaniak, who is running in the election, said it should be delayed to create a fair playing field.

In a submission to the ACT electoral commission, ACT Labor secretary Melissa James said consideration should be given to a range of social distancing measures to ensure voting on and before October 17 could be conducted safely.

She said a range of voting options should be considered, including expanding the number of polling places, both on polling day and during the pre-poll period.

The pre-polling timeframe should also be extended, while expanding electronic, telephone and postal voting should be considered.

In its submission, the ACT Greens said it would accept a postponement of the election - to November or later - if it was deemed safer or if Elections ACT needed more time to prepare for a safe election.

It said to prevent the spread of germs, how-to-vote cards should not be handed out, and a drive through voting option should be established.

The Canberra Liberals did not supply their submission made to the electoral commissioner.

But spokesman Josh Manuatu said the party supported the election going ahead on October 17 as scheduled.

"By October, Queensland local government elections, a Tasmanian upper house election, Northern Territory elections and a federal byelection will have taken place so there will be a clear body of evidence on how to execute an election while ensuring the health and safety of all involved," he said.

Mr Stefaniak said the election should be delayed to February so smaller parties and new candidates were not disadvantaged.

"On balance, I think democracy is better serviced if this election is put off to give everyone a fair go," Mr Stefaniak said.

"I've suggested putting it off to early February or late March."

This timeframe, he said, would allow new candidates to get out and about and do traditional on-the-ground campaigning - like door-knocking and attending local events.

He said an election on October 17 would likely provide a big boost for the Barr government and all sitting members.

But the federal election also showed there were no sure bets, he said.