Mackay early voting centre opens in lead up to council election

We went to the Mackay showgrounds and spoke with 106 early voters about who they voted for in the mayoral race. See who was the most popular. VIDEO, PICTURES

The humidity was thick enough to scoop a glass of water out of nothing but air, while the sun baked everything that wasn’t drenched, but nothing stopped Mackay’s most keen voters on casting their choice for mayor.
Thousands poured through the 500 Pavilion at Mackay Showgrounds on Monday as the polls opened to early voting, herded through throngs of volunteers and flyers as they went for the only piece of paper that mattered — the ballot.
Incumbent Greg Williamson and challenger Steve Jackson were their with their teams (and in the former mayor’s case, ex-team) in tow, complete with matching shirts, while Laurence Bonaventura cast a picture of his independence, standing alone.
But who’s cut through with voters? And who’s inspired our earliest voters?
Daily Mercury has taken an exclusive exit poll to give a picture of who’s won the hearts and minds of the city.

Team Williamson members (from left): councillor candidate Stephen Cutting, incumbent mayor Greg Williamson, incumbent councillor and candidate Michelle Green, and incumbent deputy mayor and councillor candidate Karen May at the early voting for Mackay Regional Council election at the Mackay Showgrounds on Monday, March 4, 2024. Picture Heidi Petith

This publication asked more than 100 people who they had voted as number one for their choice of mayor for Mackay Regional Council.

The exit polling reveals Mr Williamson has the edge with 44 per cent of the votes, followed by Mr Jackson on 34 per cent and Mr Bonaventura with 24 per cent.
That’s from a sample size of 106 voters, taken from the Mackay Showgrounds early voting booth, earlier this morning.

The early polling results show incumbent mayor Greg Williamson with a tentative lead over challengers Steve Jackson and Laurence Bonaventura.

But what reasons were people sharing at the booth?
Beaconsfield resident Johanna Stanojevic said they chose Steve Jackson because they “knew him”.

Mayoral candidate Steve 'Jacko' Jackson with teammate and councillor candidate Heath Paton at the early voting for Mackay Regional Council election at the Mackay Showgrounds on Monday, March 4, 2024. Picture Heidi Petith

Several other Jackson supporters — speaking anonymously — said they did so because “he was the only choice”.

Backers of Mr Williamson pointed to the success of his last two terms.

Residents at the early voting for Mackay Regional Council election at the Mackay Showgrounds on Monday, March 4, 2024. Picture Heidi Petith

Josie Vella — a staunch Bonaventura supporter from Mackay — said she voted him because “we need a good new mayor”.

While Mr Williamson and Mr Bonaventura were pressing flesh among the crowd all morning, Mr Jackson took time in his tent early to seek shelter from the heat.
We don’t doubt the other mayoral contenders followed that strategy soon after.