IN an about-face to how the pre-polling campaign turned out for several candidates, Port Stephens residents participated across the shire in a positive, well-organised local council election day.

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In recent weeks, illegal electoral material was distributed by persons unknown to households across Port Stephens.
The two separate flyers were distributed to homes in attempts to tarnish the reputations of two candidates and their running mates.

The distribution of these flyers was not publicly supported by any candidate, and brought unnecessary negativity and shame to the preparation for the election.

The main event on 9 September, however, was a different story.

Polling booth representatives across Port Stephens reported positive experiences, with a few minor exceptions.

There was only one main complaint for Port Stephens residents who were interviewed by News Of The Area, and that was the distinct lack of Democracy sausages available to voters across almost all voting booths and polling places in Port Stephens.

The sausage sizzle at polling booths is a synonymous Australian election day tradition, comparable only to a Bunnings sausage sizzle on a Saturday morning.

Outgoing councillor and mayoral candidate in these elections, Geoff Dingle, told News Of The Area, “After the events of the last few weeks, it was nice to see a relatively positive day all round.”

With this in mind, it is hoped that the outcome from this election will see the new council functioning together positively to ensure the smooth running of our communities.

By Rachael VAUGHAN