MIDCOAST residents will go to the polls this Saturday 9 September, to elect Councillors to fill the 11 positions on the inaugural Midcoast Council.

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As there is no absentee voting for this election, you need to cast your ballot at one of the 50 polling places in the MidCoast region, which are open from 8.00am to 6.00pm on election day.

Locally, polling places will be set up at Bulahdelah Central School, Booral, Bungwahl, Karuah, Stroud and Tea Gardens Public Schools, North Arm Cove Community Centre and Hawks Nest Community Centre.

Although negotiating the table runner sized ballot paper can be a little overwhelming, you must vote either above OR below the line.

The NSW Electoral Commission said above the line, you need to write the number 1 in the box above the group of candidates you wish to vote for, but you can continue to number more boxes above the line if you wish.

Below the line, you must vote for at least six candidates in order of preference.

With 69 hopefuls to choose from, 18-year-old Tim To from Tea Gardens said he has researched each of the candidates in the running.

“I want to have my say, I know my vote is only one but it could make the difference,” he said.

“I have read up on the candidates and their preferences, because I want to know exactly where my vote is going.”

First time voter, Leah Slockee, said she is basing her decision on issues she considers important.

“If we don’t have someone representing us, we may not see improvements,” she said.

Voting in the election is compulsory for all registered voters.

By Daniel SAHYOUN