“The formula of happiness and success is just being actually yourself, in the most vivid possible way you can.”

No matter what your party colour – blue, red, green, or pastel polka-dotted – this election is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in years.

With the change of guard at Labour, bringing with it the party’s fervent hope of the first female prime minister since Helen Clark’s reign; a move in the polls which has given National its first real competition in years; Metiria Turei’s departure from the Greens; and the likelihood of Winston Peters once again playing kingmaker, this is an election that promises to deliver on every front.

If you’ve already decided who you’re voting for, there is little to do but sit back and watch the political drama play out. And to either cheer or drown your sorrows once the votes are counted on September 23.

Here’s hoping that the party changes will at least stir more people to get out and vote on the day. 2014 ranks as the third-worst turnout in the past 100 years, with just 77 per cent of enrolled voters taking part in the election.

For Hilary Barry, the buzz of election year remains as strong as it was when she cast her first-ever vote. The beloved broadcaster is co-hosting TVNZ’s election night coverage and says it’s a genuine thrill, revealing in this month’s issue the surprise family connection that makes the right to vote something particularly close to her heart.

“I remember when I turned 18 being so excited about the fact that I could vote. And also really proud that I live in New Zealand, the first country in the world to give women the vote,” Hilary tells The Australian Women’s Weekly’s writer Suzanne McFadden in our cover story on page 16.

We’re relishing the chance to see more of Hilary on screen – she’s celebrating her first anniversary as co-host of Breakfast with Jack Tame and admits that despite the early starts she’s loving her new role.

We’re in awe of her – 3am starts are not for any of us on The Australian Women’s Weekly team!