The almost jovial atmosphere at Forster's pre-polling booth is in stark contrast to the harsh reality of this year's Federal election as pollies try to pick up last minute votes.
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For the past two weeks a small group of Labor, National and Greens party members have stood outside the pre-polling booth in the cold, rain and sunshine handing out how-to-vote information to members of the voting public.
And, all the time this group of loyal party supporters have laughed, joked, shared their ideas and had an all-round enjoyable time.
Working closely together for up to eight hours a day you have to have fun and get on with each other, Alan Bates said.
“We all work very well together; we even give out one another's information if they are away for a while,” he said.
During the past two weeks more than 1600 people have passed through the Forster centre in Wharf Street.
Officer in charge, Mary Eyre said pre-poll voting centres provided an essential services to people who would be away on holidays, the elderley, pregnant women and carers.
“We do have our quiet spells, but it is generally very busy,”Mary said.
While the Forster centre will be closed on Saturday, the Taree booth will be open for interstate voting only.