Federal Election 2022: Hundreds of Barker, Boothby and Sturt voters surveyed during pre-polling

Thousands of South Australians have already made up their minds as an independent issues a fiery warning the major parties “don’t give a flying f*** about you”.

South Australians have continued to turn out in force in the early days of pre-polling as the 2022 Federal Election heats up.

Thousands early voted in the highly contested seats of Boothby and Sturt when the polls opened on Monday while hundreds in the regional electorate of Barker had made up their minds on Wednesday.

Messenger journalists polled 100 voters at the Brighton, Marden and Mount Gambier booths with almost 7000 Aussies surveyed as they left the ballot box over the first three days of pre-polling.

Of 100 people interviewed at the Mount Gambier polling booth 54 voted for the Liberal Party with Labor trailing on 24.

One Nation secured 11 first preferences, the Greens, five and the United Australia Party, three.

At the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club on Monday the Libs claimed 51 votes to Labor’s 35. Eight placed their first preference with the Greens and independent Jo Dyer secured five.

Across town, at the Marden Shopping Centre, 52 voted Liberal, 32 selected the Labor and ten preferenced the Greens.

GUIDE TO EARLY VOTING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

According to Mount Gambier voters it appears Liberal incumbent Tony Pasin will have little trouble retaining the safe seat of Baker.

Whereas Labor left the booth absent of anyone handing out ‘how to vote cards’ for several hours.

It’s been a been a big win for the Liberal party in the seat of #Barker electorate. @TonyPasin was heavily favoured even though some of his supporters were left less than impressed by the Liberal party. Here’s a wrap of our pre-polling for #NewsPrepollpic.twitter.com/CXTmsOMZvx

— Arj Ganesan (@ArjGanesan) May 11, 2022

Ray Lattin was not “too sure about any policies” from the major parties but was impressed by Mr Pasin’s advocacy for the region.

“I reckon he does a good job down here,” Mr Lattin said.

“I know he’s helped a lot with sports and a lot of other projects.

“Like down at Port Mac with fishing and cleaning the harbour out.”

#Barker voter Ray Lattin is among the many at #NewsPrepoll booth in Mount Gambier, preferencing incumbent Tony Pasin. Though he's voting Liberal he doesn't rate their policies #auspolpic.twitter.com/VG07ONaLfw

— Arj Ganesan (@ArjGanesan) May 11, 2022

Though not present at the polling station, independent candidate Maddy Fry unleashed in an expletive-laden 20 minute Facebook video telling voters to “wake up” on Wednesday.

“I want you to wake up that Liberal and Labor, Nationals and Greens don’t give a flying f*** about you,” she said.

“I don’t care how many people I piss off anymore.

“I care about you … now start caring about yourself.”

EARLIER

Boothby voters Madeline Lattanzio, 26 and partner Joel Smith, 34 got in early to avoid the queues and ensure their voices were heard.

“We’ll be in Tasmania for the actual day so we just thought to get it out the way,” Ms Lattanzio said.

Madeline Lattanzio 26 with partner Joel Smith 34 from Seaview Downs outside the Bighton pre-polling booth after voting early in the 2022 Federal Election. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The young couple, who work in aged care and the mining sector are among many South Australians trying to break into the housing market.

With their votes going to the Greens in the upcoming election, the couple hoped to see climate change tackled as well as more support for aged care.

“We like the Greens actions on climate change and what they are and will be doing for Medicare and aged care as well,” Ms Lattanzio said.

“Both Labor and the Greens are looking at putting in a 24-hour registered nurses at all sites which is really needed.

“Rent has become very expensive, we moved in with one of Joel’s friends after we returned from travelling so we are currently in a share house.”

An update from Boothby. #NewsPrepollpic.twitter.com/5jAyCqm1OB

— Emily Jarvis (@EmilyAJarvis) May 9, 2022

Voting early alongside his elderly mother, Marcus Mitchell, 51, gave Labor his first preference saying more needed to be done to support the healthcare system.

“The health of the nation is what drives the economy,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We need support the older generation, the money needs to be targeted where it is needed the most.”

Liberal candidate for Boothby, Dr Rachel Swift greeted voters at Brighton just before 10.30am where a number of her signs which were blocking a pedestrian crossing had been removed just moment prior.

The Liberal party forced to remove their signs after illegally placing them on a pedestrian crossing. #Boothby#NewsPrepollpic.twitter.com/tm2E7AGRo3

— Emily Jarvis (@EmilyAJarvis) May 9, 2022

In the electorate of Sturt – previously considered a safe Liberal seat – both major parties turned out to spruik their candidates.

Liberal Energy Minister Angus Taylor and Labor treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers both arrived in the eastern suburbs in support of incumbent James Stevens and Labor candidate Sonia Baram.

Big day at Marden in the #Sturt electorate. @LiberalAus heavily favoured, but @AustralianLabor confident more southern parts of the electorate are part of a turning tide.

Here’s a wrap of our pre-polling for #NewsPrepoll: pic.twitter.com/9pfMKBqpLm

— Brin Duggan (@BrinDuggan) May 9, 2022

Labor voter Joan Richard was in the minority of voters polled on Monday.

“I really hope Labor wins (the election),” Ms Richards said.

“Most important to me are climate change and honesty, integrity and humanity in our leader – which I don’t see now.”

#Sturt voter Joan Richards went against the grain at Marden, but she certainly was not alone during #NewsPrepoll. She’s voting Labor for their environment, education and aged care policies #auspolpic.twitter.com/MQn9h2SqZ8

— Brin Duggan (@BrinDuggan) May 9, 2022

Kym Bell, a 71-year-old retired construction business owner, mirrored the bulk of constituents polled.

“So many people are saying it’s time for change, but I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he said.

“I vote Liberal for financial reasons, their control of finances is much better and the country is in better shape with the way they handle it.”

Though Kirsty May, a 47-year-old accountant, most closely mirrored the booth’s uncertainty.

“I didn’t vote Labor, but I think they’ll win. I think people are sick of Liberal being in,” she said.

“I voted Liberal … I don’t particularly like either of them from a federal point of view, but as a whole the nation is sick of seeing Scott Morrison.”