Poll attracts a crowd as 126 raise their hands

TASMANIANS go to the polls today with 126 candidates vying for just 25 seats in the state's House of Assembly.

TASMANIANS go to the polls today with 126 candidates vying for just 25 seats in the state's House of Assembly.

No party had a clear majority in the state's last parliament, with Labor and the Liberals each holding 10 seats and the Greens five. Seven political parties are taking part in the contest -- Labor, Liberals, Greens, National Party, Palmer United Party, Socialist Alliance and Australian Christians -- along with a number of independents.

The 366,442 registered voters will begin to cast their ballots for the state's 48th parliament from 8am, with the 305 polling places closing at 6pm. Early results will begin to be made known from 6.30pm, with almost all ballot results known by 9pm. The Australian will provide coverage online.

The election is conducted under the Hare-Clark system of proportional representation and each of the five electoral divisions elect five MPs.

New technology is being deployed by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission, including SMS reminders to vote. message sent to registered voters at 3pm to remind them to vote.

As well, netbook computers will be in use at polling booths to allow people to vote outside their division without having to complete an absentee vote.

The TEC has sent out more than 1200 express postal votes to Tasmanians who are interstate or out of the country, including in Tajikistan and Tanzania.

Tasmania's Electoral Act makes it unlawful for The Australian and other news outlets to publish material relating to issues and candidates involved in the election on polling day.

An exclusive Newspoll and full election analysis was published in The Australian yesterday. As well as online coverage from 6pm tonight, The Australian on Monday will have full coverage of the results.