ELECTION Day across the Cowper electorate was a soggy one with Port Macquarie voters noting the heavy traffic between 9am and Midday.
Otherwise, those who turned out were in good humour.
One of the most popular venues was the Port Macquarie PCYC, as it could fit over 100 voters.
Door attendant Nikole* was among the many workers doing a great job of marshalling the large crowds of people in a timely manner.
“It was chaotic at first, but we organised people as best we could,” she told News Of The Area.
Judy Campbell was one local resident joining the queue.
“I was excited to get my vote in… because it’s very important to be heard,” she said.
“The staff and the setup was fantastic.
“You just have to love Australia where everything is done in a fair and orderly manner.”
Richelle* and Susan* were manning “the Democracy sausage” stand and raising money for Hastings Secondary College P&C.
“It was wet and soggy, but we have had great support and expect to sell more than 400 sausage sangers,” they said.
The Sea Scout Hall was another popular venue.
Manning the barbecue were Sarah, Tracey, Brian, William and Andrew who were raising money for a replacement Sea Scout rescue boat.
They also expected to sell hundreds of sausage sandwiches.
New Port Macquarie residents Ros Winchester and David Lawrence were among voters to cast their vote in the hall.
“We were happy to do our democratic duty, especially when there is a democracy sausage on offer,” they told NOTA.
“Like a lot of Australians, we were focusing on a number of issues including cost of living, cost of housing, renting, climate change and First Nations peoples issues.”
They also noted the “vacuum of information” about several of the 11 candidates vying to be the Member for Cowper.
By Bill HARROW
