Fraser Coast residents vote early in record numbers despite soaring temperatures

One mayoral candidate has emerged as a frontrunner as Fraser Coast residents turn out in record numbers for pre-polling.

Incumbent Mayor George Seymour has shown to be the frontrunner in an exit poll taken during pre-polling.

An exit poll of 50 people at the early voting station at the Pialba Scout Club showed 42 people voted for Mr Seymour.

The incumbent mayor has been in the role since 2018.

Eight people voted for Grant Reynolds.

Mr Seymour has served as mayor since 2018 following the sacking of former mayor Chris Loft.

Voters pointed to “his forward-thinking attitude” and his involvement within the Fraser Coast community as reasons for their vote for him.

As with every election, candidate advertising was in no shortage.

Before becoming Mayor in 2018, Mr Seymour worked in community-based roles including as a Legal Aid solicitor and as a disability support worker.

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Some residents said they were not familiar with Mr Reynolds and had not seen him within their communities.

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Multiple divisional candidates were present at the polling station throughout the morning including Division 8’s Phoenix Baker and Denis Chapman, Alicia Wade for Division 6, Division 9’s Greg Watts, John Weiland for Division 7 and Zane O’Keefe for Division 10.

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Electoral Commission of Queensland volunteer Sam Brockley-Moon said pre-polling was busy.

“Since we started doing early voting about ten years ago it is becoming more popular with every election,” she said.

“About 2000 people are voting every day since we opened on Monday.”

Mrs Brockley-Moon noted the “amazing” conduct of the campaign volunteers.

“Everybody has been on their best behaviour and helped out when needed,” she said.

While the day was mostly peaceful not all voters were satisfied with one describing it as “a bloody circus” as he left the scout hall.

The 2024 Queensland local government elections will be held on March 16.