Voters head to the polls early in Gunnedah

It has been a busy few days for Gunnedah’s early voting centre ahead of Saturday’s Local Government Election.

Early voting opened last weekend in Gunnedah where it was estimated hundreds attended the first day of polling.

Many of the 11 Gunnedah shire candidates also attended.

A handful of voters were still filing through the centre’s Marquis Street entrance on Wednesday.

Among them was Simon from Gunnedah who named the special rate variation as his number one issue.

He owns at least one property within the Gunnedah shire and said the rate increase would be significant.

RELATED STORY: Changes needed on Gunnedah rate increase, say candidates

Simon said spending within the shire was exorbitant but acknowledged it was not all the fault of Gunnedah Shire Council.

He would be voting for those candidates who showed “genuine interest” and “dedication to the area”.

Early voting continues Friday until 6pm at the Go Co Community Care building in Gunnedah.

On election day, residents can also cast their vote at the Gunnedah Town Hall, Gunnedah South Public School, Carroll Public School, Curlewis Hall and Mullaley Public School.

There is no absentee voting available at NSW council elections. People must vote at a venue in their enrolled council area and cannot vote at a venue in another area. Voting is compulsory.

Gunnedah candidates in ballot paper order:

1 FULLER, Colleen

2 MOORE, Cameron

3 NEWELL, Linda

4 LUKE, Ann

5 McARTHUR, Juliana

6 McGRATH, Kate

7 NEAVE, Mitchum

8 HOOKE, Robert (Rob)

9 PETERSEN, Greg

10 HODDLE, Robert

11 McALLAN, Tammey

Electors must vote for at least five candidates on the ballot paper in order of their preference for it to be a valid vote.