All the candidates for the seat of Northern Tablelands have representatives handing out at Armidale and Inverell pre-polling stations, some are wondering how they will spread themselves around when Glen Innes and Moree stations open at 8am on Monday March 16.
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I wouldn't be surprised to see up to 40 per cent of people voting prior to March 23
- Adam Marshall
There really is an expectation among some of the candidates that, in this Electorate, this election could take out the record for the highest percentage of votes ever cast prior to election day.
Nationals candidate Adam Marshall said the trend for the last few elections was more and more people choosing to vote before the actual day.
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"There are nine reasons that make people eligible for a pre-poll vote, but I wouldn't be surprised to see up to 40 per cent of people voting prior to March 23," he said.
"If you look at the last Victorian State election which was only in November last year, 49 per cent of voters voted prior to polling day."
Labor's Debra O'Brien thought a lot of people were voting because she was very busy
"Just this morning we've had a number of people going for Labor and that's a good feeling. It makes you realise you've got to be there," she said.
"Forty per cent of people voted before the election last time, I think. I've heard they've predicted up to 50 per cent this time."
She laughed.
"Which extends the entire catastrophe a lot longer. Yep, it's a busy time."
Greens candidate Dorothy Robinson said she would like to express her thanks to her volunteers at the pre-poll and to the many voters who were supportive of the Greens policies.
"Lots of people appreciate being able to talk about our policies with our volunteers," she said.
"So far, it's working out quite well. I hope it will go even better in the future, and that the friendly camaraderie between all those at the pre-poll will continue.
"I'm looking forward to being able to help out myself."
... people just want to get it out of the way ...
- Rayne Single
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Rayne Single said he was having a really good pre-poll response.
"A lot of people are fed up with being taken advantage of and they're glad to see an alternative to the major Parties," he said.
He said he had family in Tingha and knew a lot of people at Inverell. He said he thought it was very busy at the pre-polling stations.
"Last election there was 6900, or something like that at Armidale and 20,000 post, so almost a third. So, this time I reckon it [40 per cent] will be getting there, because people just want to get it out of the way and make sure they don't have to bugger up their Saturday."
