AS a veteran candidate with 12 years on Bathurst Regional Council already under his belt, Ian North knows a thing or two about being a councillor.
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And he says the chance to meet the public and other candidates while handing out how-to-vote cards at pre-polling is a great way to prepare for the job.
Pre-polling for the September 9 local government election opened on Monday morning at the old Clancy Motors site on Howick Street, drawing a large contingent of candidates and a steady stream of voters.
Now well into his fifth election campaign, Cr North said he particularly enjoyed the chance to meet some of his council rivals.
“It’s probably the best part of it because if we get on council together we already have a bit of background rather than just being a name and a face,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to come down and do this.”
Solo candidate Nick Packham said there had been plenty of voters talking about voting below the line to avoid the group tickets.
“I’m just one of two solo candidates so that’s the point of difference we have,” he said.
“I’m hoping people do think about how they vote and look for the individuals who have the skills to be on council.
“I’m taking the view that people know and if they want me to be on council then I’ll get there.”
Monica Morse, who is hoping to increase the number of women on council, said her whole five-member team would take turns handing out how-to-vote cards over the next two weeks, along with a large band of supporters.
She said while day one was too early to get a feel for what voters were thinking, she believed many were planning to vote below the line.
Jess Jennings said a number of voters had already spoken to him about his policies for the region.
“I’ve been happy with the day so far but, really, it’s just too early to tell,” he said.
First-time candidate Stuart Driver said he had enjoyed meeting voters and hearing their ideas.
“From the people I’ve spoken to, they just wish to be represented and want to be heard on what they think should happen in our city,” he said.
Returning officer Stuart Evennett said all had gone smoothly on the first day of pre-poll voting and there had been a steady stream of voters through the centre.
“It’s nice to see people are out and voting – and all the candidates and party people are behaving themselves,” he said.
