Where to vote early on the Mid North Coast

This year’s federal election is happening on Saturday, May 3, however postal voting has begun, and early voting centres across the Mid North Coast are currently open.

Centres can be found in Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, South West Rocks, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton, Taree and Tuncurry.

🗳️ How to vote

When you approach the ballot box this election with your House of Representatives voting card, the process is relatively straightforward. 

Simply number each candidate in the order of who you want to be your local federal MP for the next three years - from most preferred to least preferred.

You’ll also need to vote for the Senate.

You can vote above the line (must number 6 boxes) or below the line (must number 12 boxes).

When you arrive to vote, you will be offered How to Vote cards. Remember, these are just suggestions on how candidates in your electorate would like you to vote. Your preferences are your choice.

☝️ The Power of preferences

When polling closes volunteers and party scrutineers set about the painstaking process of counting votes. Multiple counts can take place as the full suite of candidates is whittled down, one by one, to a final victor. 

The first vote count is on first preferences. If one candidate receives more than 50 percent of first preference votes, they are elected. However, with votes split between major parties, minor parties and Independents, it is only in very safe seats where this occurs.

In tight electoral races, like we’re seeing in Cowper and Lyne, preferences hold a lot of power.

📍 To find your nearest location to vote before or on election day, and for information on the venue’s opening hours, head to the Australian Electoral Commission website: aec.gov.au