The Bendigo East centre was busy for day one of voting, with Labor MP Jacinta Allan describing the number of early voters as unprecedented, in her experience.

This was also the first chance for people to see the preference order on how-to-vote cards.

Bendigo East Liberal and National candidates have both given Labour DLP candidate Helen Leach third preference, independent Michael Belardinelli fourth, Labor’s Jacinta Allan fifth, and Greens’ Nakita Thomson sixth.

The Greens put Labor as their second preference and Mr Belardinelli third, followed by Liberals candidate Ian Ellis fourth, Nationals candidate Gaelle Broad fifth, and Ms Leach sixth.

Greens candidate for Bendigo East Nakita Thomson said Mr Belardinelli was chosen for preferences because of his progressive policies.

Labor preferenced Greens candidate Nakita Thomson (second) and Gaelle Broad (third).

In Bendigo West, Animal Justice Party candidate Marilyn Nuske received second preferences from the Greens and Liberals, and a third preference from Labor.

Bendigo West Greens candidate Laurie Whelan said Labor’s decision to put the Greens as second preference in Bendigo West was in exchange for the Greens’ preference support in Bendigo East.

Despite incumbent Labor MP Maree Edwards holding the seat of Bendigo West by a margin of 12 per cent, Mr Whelan – a former City of Greater Bendigo mayor – said the election was an opportunity for the Greens to increase its vote by focusing on topical issues like climate change and public transport.

Liberal candidate for Bendigo West Kevin Finn said he was pleased with the feedback he has received since announcing his candidacy last month.

Most pre-poll voters took the opportunity to vote because of convenience, however Kevin Barnard said he did not trust the process, preferring instead to vote on election day. 

“I’ve a problem with it, there’s too much of an opportunity to tamper with votes,” he said.

However Victorian Electoral Commission election manager in Bendigo East Carl Chirgwin said the integrity of the voting system was paramount and all boxes containing voting slips were securely stored in a room at the voting centre.

He said the voting slip system was “very detailed” to ensure ballot papers weren’t misappropriated. 

Read more: Victorian election ballot rolls out across state after delay

In Bendigo, early voting centres will operate at 284-288 High Street in Golden Square for the Bendigo West electorate, and at Unit 13a, 172-176 McIvor Road, Bendigo, for the Bendigo East electorate.

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