Qld state election 2024: Cairns Showgrounds pre-polling centre voters reveal early picks

Pre-polling Far North residents appear to have already made up their minds as early voting centres opened their doors with surprising reasons driving voter decision making.

Cairns Showgrounds is one of three early voting centres for the 2024 state election within the electorate of Cairns.

Pre-polling Far North residents appear to have already made up their minds as early voting centres opened their doors ahead of the state election.

The Cairns Post spoke with voters midafternoon Monday at the Cairns Showgrounds where all five candidates vying for the Labor-held seat made appearances throughout the day.

Volunteers from rival camps reported a “respectful” environment at the entry to the centre with a delivery of Zooper Doopers reportedly helping break the ice and the political tension, following a heated start to the official campaign.

Party faithful handing out how to vote material reported unlike years gone by, where interested voters would “take one each”, it seemed most had “made up their minds” and only accepting pamphlets from their candidate of choice.

Cairns Showgrounds is one of three early voting centres for the 2024 state election within the electorate of Cairns.

Inside, of the seven early voters interviewed, only two backed a major party – the ALP – and none said housing, cost of living or crime were factors in their votes.

Manunda residents Sally Bailey, who works with Queensland Education and Noah Brown, a university film student wouldn’t say who they voted for but declared it was neither major party, stating they were not satisfied with the opening two weeks of the campaign.

“They’re just saying what they have to, to get votes but one party in particular, has been really frustrating because they’re dodging questions and not really saying anything,” Ms Bailey said.

Manunda residents Noah Brown and Sally Bailey opted for early voting at the Cairns Showgrounds on Monday, October 14 ahead of the 2024 state election.

“I think it’s going to get worse over the next two weeks, so that’s one of the reasons I’m voting now.

“It’s almost impossible for genuine people to do well in politics because they get pushed down by the people who are playing the game and I wish for that culture to change.”

Mr Brown said he hoped the next term of government would bring about “people that care about people and not climbing the career ladder.”

Ms Bailey said as an education professional she applauded the Premier’s free school lunches pledge.

With multiple polls this year predicting a major swing against Labor, Cairns voter David Johnson was among contributing to the change – once a staunch ALP voter, his number one pick was the Greens.

Mr Johnson took issue with federal Labor and what he declared was a failure to condemn Israel for the deaths in the middle east – a position also held by the Greens.

“Steven Miles I don’t mind, if he gets my vote on preferences I don’t mind, but the middle east issue is filtering all the way through, even the state party.”

Mark Baker in the electorate of Cairns gave his pick to One Nation, because leader Pauline Hanson “cares about her people and not her friends.”

Mr Baker also took to national issues when making his decision, referencing immigration intake and foreign aid factors for selecting the minor party.

He said he had made up his mind on his vote “well before” the campaign kicked off.

Westcourt residents Linda Clarke and Emma Parkes opted for early voting at the Cairns Showgrounds on Monday, October 14 ahead of the 2024 state election.

Westcourt’s Linda Clarke and Emma Parkes were unsure on their choice but in the last 10 days decided they wanted a Labor government to return to power, noting the election commitment of the Queensland Academy of Sport for Cairns.

“When I was on the Gold Coast I ran the soccer for 12 years and we’re members of Northern Pride – sport is really important,” Ms Clarke said.

“That’s one reason, but it’s hard to vote for the Libs because it feels like there’s no substance, they’re just saying Labor is doing everything wrong.”

Mount Sheridan resident Warren Ikin opted for early voting at the Cairns Showgrounds on Monday, October 14 ahead of the 2024 state election.

Mount Sheridan resident voting in the seat of Mulgrave Warren Ikin said he voted for One Nation stating he felt the “whole system” was broken.

“I think we’ve got a situation in this country where the banks, the consultants and the bureaucracy are extorting everybody and government regulation is killing everybody.”

Originally published as Qld state election 2024: Cairns Showgrounds pre-polling centre voters reveal early picks