PARKES voters are getting their votes in early for the July 2 Federal Election judging by the hive of activity at the Masonic Lodge’s pre-polling booth.
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National Party candidate Mark Coulton and Christian Democratic Party candidate Glen Ryan were on the ground in Moree making the most of face to face time with voters, along with National and Labor Party volunteers who were handing out how to vote cards.
For Glen Ryan, election day is very much a family affair with family members manning several of the polling booths in Moree.
“We stand for traditional family values, we uphold the Christian values, which means we oppose a change in the definition of a traditional marriage,” he said.
This week has seen incumbent MP Mark Coulton attending pre-polling booths in Gunnedah Narrabri and Moree, he will finish this week back in Dubbo where his campaign has been based from.
“On a personal level, I have had a lot of volunteers spending hours, and hours and hours handing out how to votes because they believe in the same things that I believe in,” Mr Coulton said.
“They believe that the National Party represents them, and so they come out in cold, wintery, weather, I want to get out today and show my appreciation for those people,” he said.
“It is a big deal to step up and publicly declare that you are supporting a candidate and a certain belief.”
Saturday Mark and his wife Robyn will be on the move, from polling booth to polling booth travelling between Gunnedah and Dubbo where his daughters will join him for the announcement.
“It always is a bit nerve wracking, putting yourself out there in the hand of the voters, and you don’t really know how it is going to go until the vote comes in.”
Saturday in Moree polling booths are available at the Masonic Lodge, the Moree High School Multi-purpose Centre, The PCYC on Boston Street, and St Philomena's school.
Polling booths will also be available at the Mungindi, Boggabilla, North Star, Croppa Creek, Garah, Warialda, Pallamallawa and Rowena Schools.