WITH the 2019 federal election just over three weeks away, early voting centres are beginning to open to cater for those who are unable to cast their ballot on the big day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The enrolment rate is at an all time high ahead of May 18, with 96.8 per cent of people registered to have their say on which party will lead the country for the next three years.
While the campaigns will run through to the very last moment, some people may be required to make their decision before then, which is why some booths will be opening from Monday, April 29.
Electoral commissioner Tom Rogers is extremely pleased with the amount of people expected to cast their votes and said the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has been working around the clock to prepare.
"We have the most complete electoral roll since federation and we're providing a broad range of voting services but it is up to enrolled Australians to turnout to make sure they have their say," he said.
"We moved swiftly on Wednesday evening to design, verify and then print ballot papers in time for voters to access early voting centres from Monday."
Centres in the Hunter electorate include locations in Singleton at units 2/3 and 3/3 of 77 John Street, which is across the road from the Woolworths complex, and at 3/77-85 Bridge Street Muswellbrook which is adjacent to Happy Tooth.
For those voting in Singleton, the centre will open on April 29, however those in Muswellbrook will have to wait until May 6 before being able to register their choice.
For those living in the seat of New England, Muswellbrook will also be available for early voting as the nearest centre within the electorate itself is further north in Tamworth.
There are eight candidates in the Hunter, with the ballot paper running in the order of One Nation's Stuart Bonds, The Nationals' Josh Angus, Animal Justice Party's James Murphy, United Australia Party's Paul Davies, Janet Murray of the Greens, Christian Democrat Party candidate Richard Stretton, sitting Labor MP Joel Fitzbibbon and Socialist Equality Party representative Max Boddy.
For New England, independent Natasha Ledger will be first, followed by Christian Democrats' Julie Collins, Labor's Yvonne Langenberg, incumbent Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, Greens' candidate Tony Lonergan, independents Adam Blakester and Rob Taber, and Clive Palmer United Australia Party candidate Cindy Ann Duncan will be last.
Those looking for more information or are interested in postal votes can visit the AEC website.
Early voting centre opening times are as follows:
Singleton:
Monday 29 April - Friday 3 May (8:30 -17:30)
Monday 6 May - Thursday 9 May (8:30 -17:30)
Friday 10 May (8:30 -18:00)
Saturday 11 May (9:00 -16:00)
Monday 13 May - Tuesday 14 May (8:30 -17:30)
Wednesday 15 May (8:30 -18:00)
Thursday 16 May (8:30 -17:30)
Friday 17 May (8:30 -18:00)
Muswellbrook:
Monday 6 May - Thursday 9 May (8:30 -17:30)
Friday 10 May (8:30 -18:00)
Saturday 11 May (9:00 -16:00)
Monday 13 May - Tuesday 14 May (8:30 -17:30)
Wednesday 15 May (8:30 -18:00)
Thursday 16 May (8:30 -17:30)
Friday 17 May (8:30 -18:00)