Federal election 2022: How 4000 have already voted in key election battles

More than 300,000 Australians have voted. Now, 4000 of them have revealed where they put their vote.

The popularity of pre-poll voting hit a record on the first day of ballots being lodged, with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) estimating a turnout of 300,000 on day one, more than the double the 120,000 who attended on day one in 2019.

A survey of pre-poll voters conducted by News Corp across regional and marginal electorates reflects a contest that remains tightly fought over cost-of-living pressure, housing and balancing industry transition with Australia’s climate commitment.

News Corp reporters spoke with 4000 voters at Monday’s pre-polling centres (1 in 100 first-day voters) to discuss voting intention and the issues that have most heavily resonated among their local electorates.

Hanna Davis was among the 300,000 voting early on day one of the pre-poll voting. Picture: Josie Hayden

Despite heated debate between the major parties, “the economy” and geopolitical concerns around China and the Russian-Ukraine conflict did not resonate as strongly with voters as in previous elections.

The Greens vote on Monday captured 7 per cent of ballots cast and captured about 20 per cent of votes in battleground seats of Griffith in Brisbane’s inner east and Cunningham on New South Wales’ south coast.

Independents are already having an impact.

Prepoll voting at Reedy Creek Baptist church. Voters run the gauntlet past volunteers with how to vote cards at Reedy Creek Baptist Church. Picture Glenn Hampson

In the seat of Wannon (VIC), former Triple J radio presenter Alex Dyson is challenging Liberal incumbent, Dan Tehan, while in Melbourne, blue-ribbon Liberal-held Kooyong has Treasurer Josh Frydenberg holding firm despite a strong challenge from independent, Dr Monique Ryan.

United Australia Party and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation each picked up about 3 per cent of first-preference votes from surveyed Australians.

One of those who took advantage to get her vote in early was Melbourne’s Hanna Davis, 42, who cast her vote at Collingwood Masonic Hall prior to going on a road trip in the Northern Territory.

Hanna Davis voting early at a voting centre in Abbotsford. Picture: Josie Hayden

She said it was her first time voting on home turf in more than a decade, as she had been working overseas when past elections were held.

Ms Davis voted for the Greens as she liked their policies on climate change, education and recognising First Nations people, and because she was unimpressed by the Coalition and Labor’s campaign tactics.

“The parties bad mouth each other instead of plugging their policies,” she said.

“They (Liberals and Labor) are both as bad as each other, the Greens are a good alternative.”

Umbrellas out along with plenty of election signs. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Davis thought incumbent Greens federal Melbourne MP Adam Bandt would hold onto his seat at the May 21 poll.

Madeline Carttanzio 26 with partner Joel smith 34 from Seaview Downs outside the Pre polling booths at Brighton after voting early in the 2022 Federal election. Photo Kelly Barnes

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.

Australian Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg visits the pre-polling booth in Hawthorn, Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

The young South Australian 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.”

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.”

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