Hundreds of voters turned out on the first day of pre-poll voting in Ballina for the upcoming Federal Election, prompting at least one candidate to wonder if there’ll be anyone left to vote on the official polling day, May 3.

By midday, queues at the Richmond Room pre-poll centre had started to ease, after winding around the Ballina Library earlier in the morning. Two of the 10 candidates contesting the seat of Richmond were on hand when Ballina News Daily visited around lunchtime.

People First Party candidate Richard Curtin said the atmosphere had been friendly and welcoming. He reckons the strong turnout showed many voters had already made up their minds.

“I think people just want to get it out of the way, to be honest,” Mr Curtin said.

“They’ve been flooded with information — and disinformation, let’s call it that. I think people just want it done. Their minds are already made up. The Australian people are not stupid.”

However Independent candidate Kevin Loughrey, (Pictured top), criticised the length of the pre-poll period, arguing it disadvantaged independents and undermined the democratic process.

“It’s tragic for our democracy, because people are voting before they’ve seen the full campaign,” Mr Loughrey said.

“As an independent, I can’t campaign or raise money until my nomination is accepted by the AEC — and that’s five weeks before the election.

“It takes time to collect signatures, get the deposit together, then get printing done and organise a team. The whole thing is rigged to favour the major parties.”

Pre-poll voting will continue at the Richmond Room on Regatta Avenue every day except Anzac Day and this coming Sunday.  The site caters to voters from both Richmond and Page electorates.  Those taking advantage of the pre-poll are required to give a legitimate reason why they cannot vote on election day. 

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 8.30am – 5.30pm
  
• Saturday: 9.00am – 4.00pm
  
• Friday, May 2: 8.30am – 6.00pm
  
• Election Day (Saturday May 3): 8.00am – 6.00pm