The rusted on Australians: Why Boothby booth of Brighton keeps voting for the same party at every federal election
A critical polling booth in an electorate held by the Liberals since the 1940s is showing worrying signs for the government if you talk to Boothby residents.
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The scales are set to tip in Liberal heartland according to residents of what would normally be considered a rusted on booth who warn it may not be as safe as once thought.
While the rock solid contingent of staunch Liberal party voters is ever present in the beachside booth of Brighton Uniting Church it’s apparent the tide may be turning.
The government only won by 55 votes at the polling booth last election
Scroll down to find all of SA’s rusted on booths using our searchable table
In February, the Advertiser spoke to 150 residents across the whole Boothby electorate and found that Labor was slightly ahead in the important seat that has been in Liberal hands since 1949.
Speaking to locals it was apparent the trend may continue at the upcoming federal election.
Retiree Christine Ingleton said she was resolute on voting Labor in the next election and hoped the scales would tip in the party’s favour.
“I’m normally a swing voter but my mind is already made up and it’s very clear I’ll be voting Labor,” Ms Ingleton said.
“That’s because of the Liberals slowness to embrace the obviousness of climate change.
“This area once was rusted on (Liberal) but I would say it’s getting much closer.
“It has changed a lot.”
Local shop owner Ben Hurst said he had formerly been a Liberal voter but was looking to vote elsewhere in the coming election.
“I’m not huge on ScoMo but I wonder whether Albo (Anthony Albanese) can stand up to bullies, I’m not seeing any strong leaders” Mr Hurst said.
The changing of the guard sentiment was further supported by young voter Elouise Whitfield who said she changed her mind easily, but was leaning towards voting for the Labor Party.
“I hadn’t really thought about it, but I think I’ll be voting Labor,” Ms Whitfield said.
However, Ms Whitfield’s friend and fellow voter Madison Blight said she was considering voting Liberal on the advice of her mother, reflecting family ties to the party in the area.
The majority of younger voters in the area voters leaned towards the Labor Party and Greens with Sofia Davidson, 25, citing her disappointment with the federal government’s handling of recent floods in Queensland.
“I’ve been very influenced by my family values and what I’ve grown up with, I vote Labor lately and it’s really just because it’s what I was surrounded with,” Ms Davidson said.
Retiree Darrell Fishpull said he would consider the issues of the election once it was called, but that he would likely vote for the Coalition, representing the enduring prevalence of conservatism in the area.
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