As the months passed however, and we began to control and to live with the virus, it has become obvious that elections can be safely and successfully conducted.

We have had a Federal by-election in Eden Monaro and a State election in the Northern Territory, whilst the ACT and Queensland go to the polls this month.

Democracy is important, so important to Victoria that they have pressed ahead with plans for statewide local government elections by postal vote, despite being hammered by a devastating second wave of the pandemic. Presumably, the candidates there can be safely protected by campaigning mostly through the media.

Elsewhere, much business is carried out using the many means provided by the Internet.

We have all learned to safely and successfully "socially distance" and a polling station is better regulated than your local supermarket.

Meanwhile, several communities across NSW are in a state of disharmony and disarray because of the actions of their local council. Whether you are disillusioned with your local council or dismayed by the rancour and vitriol caused by a vocal minority, you can petition the NSW State Government to review its decision to postpone local government elections until September of next year.

The ePetition can be found at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetitions-list.aspx