This year was a little different for NSW political parties with both State and Federal elections falling due together. With a by-election thrown in beforehand just for good measure, it would have taken a fair effort to organise those volunteers who hand out how to vote cards in all sorts of conditions at the polling booths.
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A few people I know have come past and we've had a great old chat, it's been nice.
- Paul Mailfert
So why do the volunteers do it? Why do they stand out there for hours handing out how to vote cards? At Armidale the volunteers were plainly true believers, but was it all just politics?
Paul Mailfert was handing out for Adam Blakester and said he really believed in his policies and was able to support someone who he thought deserved the position.
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"I've had some great conversations this morning. Been talking to Chris from the Labor party and having a good old chat," he said.
"A few people I know have come past and we've had a great old chat, it's been nice."
I used to be a union organiser and believe the ALP are more for the working people.
- Chris Preston
Labor Party volunteer Chris Preston said he was there to hopefully see change.
"I get only the satisfaction of seeing someone try to get elected," he said.
"I used to be a union organiser and believe the ALP are more for the working people."
Nationals volunteer Will Todd said he did the work because he liked to support the Nationals, and particularly Barnaby at this stage.
I do it because the only economic progress we get in Armidale is when we have or get an Independent or Labor Member.
- Jack Arnold
"I see quite a lot of people I know. Most people are pleasant and we greet each other with a smile. They understand why we are here, because it is our democratic right and that is most important," he said.
Jack Arnold has volunteered at polling booths for more than 40 years and this year was handing out for Adam Blakester.
"I do it because the only economic progress we get in Armidale is when we have or get an Independent or Labor Member," he said.
I do it because I believe giving people information about their choices in an election like this is a very important part ...
- Judith Lapin
"I've handed out for Bill McCarthy, who was very effective ... Richard Torbay, Tony Windsor, anybody who wasn't a National. If you want good government you don't have a Nationals representative."
Nationals volunteer Judith Lapin said she volunteered because she paid taxes and wanted her tax money handled efficiently in the most important priority areas.
"I do it because I believe giving people information about their choices in an election like this is a very important part of the effort to get the party re-elected that you believe in," she said.
