Finally, D-Day has arrived for poll candidates

VOTERS in the Legislative Council divisions of Huon and Rosevears go to the polls today after a marathon campaign delayed and disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The elections, originally scheduled for May, have also seen a huge turnout via prepoll and postal votes – 39 per cent of electors in Huon have already cast their ballots, and 41 per cent in Rosevears.

Polling places will be open from 8am to 6pm and voting is compulsory.

The results of the contests are not likely to be known until the close of the period for postal votes on August 11, although provisional figures will be posted on the Tasmanian Electoral Commission website from 7pm tonight.

Huon, which takes in the Huon Valley, the Channel,

Bruny Island and much of Kingborough, is expected to be a tightly fought battle between incumbent independent and former Huon Valley mayor Robert Armstrong, local GP and Labor candidate Bastian Seidel, Green Pat Caruana and independent Dean Harriss.

Strong campaigns from Shooters, Fishers, Farmers candidate Garrick Cameron and independent Debbie Louise Armstrong mean preference flows will play a decisive role.

In Rosevears, which stretches along the west bank of the Tamar River from Launceston to the coast, sitting member Kerry Finch has retired.

Liberal candidate and former TV newsreader Jo Palmer has run a high-profile campaign against the ALP’s Jess Greene.

Jack Davenport is the Greens candidate and local councillor Janie Finlay, administrator David Fry and company director Vivienne Gale are running as independents.

In Huon, first-time candidate and local hairdresser Debbie Armstrong said the long campaign had been challenging and rewarding.

“I’ve given it everything. I’ve worked three days a week and the other four days a week I’ve campaigned,” she said.

“We’ve got signs out all around the place, we’ve been doorknocking and I’ve been trying to work at the same time — there’s still bills to pay.

“I’ve had a positive reception because I’m the only female to put her hand up. Win or lose, people are proud I’ve stood up and had a crack.

“I think every single person who has put their hand up … has felt a passion. They feel like they have issues to raise and they should be commended for doing so.”