ACT election 2020: Informal vote count drops in 2020 poll

He attributed this to the fact more than 70 per cent of people voted electronically thanks to extended early voting.

Some 99.5 per cent of eligible voters in the ACT were enrolled.

Of those enrolled, more than 89 per cent voted, a slightly higher level of participation than 2016.

About 77 per cent of voters cast their vote before election day, either through an early voting centre or via post.

The rate of informal voting was just 1.3 per cent, a new record low compared to 2.5 per cent.

"This is a considerable achievement and one largely contributed to by the high level of electronic voting," Mr Cantwell said.

He made the comments during the formal declaration of candidates on Wednesday.

"More than 50 per cent of the elected candidates are women, another highly notable achievement in our inclusive society," he said.

Mr Cantwell said the commission took its responsibility to run fair and credible elections seriously.

"With ever increasing threats and pressure on democracies and democratic process across the world, there is a continuing need to sustain and build upon public confidence and trust in our own electoral process and systems," he said.

Both leaders of the major parties spoke at the event.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Labor campaigned hard and fairly during the election.

He congratulated the Greens on their strong performance, saying it may have "snuck up on a few of us".

"There was a clear choice for Canberra voters and the Canberra Liberals put their values on the table and Alistair Coe led a campaign that was led by his values and I congratulate him on that," Mr Barr said.

New Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee acknowledged the members who had lost their seats in the election.

It was her first public event since fronting the media on Tuesday after winning the party ballot for leader.

"To all my reelected colleagues from across all the parties, congratulations," she said.

"To the electoral commissioner and all staff, I think this was one of the smoothest run campaigns.

"It made voting easier and it really showed the Canberra public that our democracy is well and strong."

Elections ACT had encouraged Canberrans to vote early with extra pre-polling venues open for the three weeks of voting.

The aim was to create a COVID-safe election and avoid large crowds on election day.

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The new government and candidates will be sworn in officially next week in a ceremonial sitting of the Legislative Assembly.

There are eight new members who will be completing an orientation this week.