Almost 33,000 people cast their vote at an early voting centre across the New England with 6,200 applying for a postal vote. 

With a severe weather warning and storms currently making their way around parts of the electorate, many have braved the wet weather to participate in voting.

Labor candidate David Ewings chose not to be in his home town of Scone on Saturday, instead campaigning at Tamworth High School polling booths.

In his absence, Meryl Swanson MP, Member for Paterson and Kate Washington MP, Member for Port Stephens and Shadow Minister for the Hunter were greeting voters at Scone High School.

With many voicing their disappointment in the lack of a sausage sizzle and the slow pace of the day – Kate Washington MP said it is a reflection that pre-polling is the way a lot of people vote now.

“A lot of people go through pre-polling at all elections now, around 30 per cent,” she said.

Meryl Swanson MP said it’s a reflection that people are completely over the whole thing.

“I think people are over it to be honest – over the fighting and the dysfunction of the government at the moment,” she said.

“I can understand why voters are reluctant to have to come back and vote again.”

The Nationals supporters on hand said the outcome is looking like Barnaby Joyce is likely to hold and they were confident he would win back the seat.