Geraldton prepoll numbers in excess of 10,000 as Federal election draws near

The rush to vote early has continued, with more than 10,000 people in Geraldton already having their say a few days out from Saturday’s Federal election.

According to the Australian Electoral Commission, 10,054 had placed their votes at the Geraldton Yacht Club since pre-poll voting started on Tuesday last week up until Wednesday this week.

The data showed more and more people are placing their votes early as election day draws nearer, with a pre-poll high of 1758 people voting on Wednesday, up from the 1073 who voted on the opening day.

Throughout the electorate, polling booths have begun to open, with 22,500 people casting their votes for the Durack seat.

Nine candidates are vying for the seat, with Liberal MP Melissa Price looking to claim a fifth term in Parliament. She is the bookies’ short-priced favourite at $1.03.

First elected in 2013, Ms Price has spent 12 years in Federal politics, serving both in Government and in Opposition during that time.

Throughout that time, she has held ministerial portfolios, including the environment, defence industry, and science and technology at different times.

Labor’s Karen Wheatland is the main candidate in Ms Price’s way, as she looks to make an impression on the region as her father Ian did.

Ms Wheatland said her father had been an inspiration, she and was hoping to do him proud throughout the campaign.

The late Mr Wheatland was a real estate agent and property developer who helped shape Geraldton.

She said she considered herself an underdog, but you could “never say never”.

Other parties have also made their presence known, with Nationals candidate Bailey Kempton and Greens candidate Brendan Sturcke seen in Geraldton in a bid to win votes.

Mr Kempton, who runs a local electrician business, hoped the momentum created from the strong Nationals result in regional WA would help his campaign.

Mr Sturcke, who is Perth-based, travelled to the electorate for the campaign, and has made his way further north to reach more people and have discussions about climate change.

The other candidates who have put their hand up for the Durack seat are Kat Wright (Legalise Cannabis), Mark Berry (One Nation), Jason Hunter (Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia), Maarten Kornaat (Trumpet of Patriots), and Eugenie Harris (Australian Christians).