Election day nears – but have the democracy sausages missed the moment?

EDITORIAL

The Federal election is officially to be held this Saturday, May 3, but here on the Coast, it feels like the main event may have already happened.

Thousands have cast their ballots early at pre-polling stations across the region.

Whether it’s convenience, habit, or just wanting to avoid the Saturday sausage queue, early voting has become the new norm.

Which does beg the question; will there be too many democracy sausages and not enough democracy left to go around this weekend?

The Coast remains a political battleground, with the seat of Robertson, held by Labor’s Dr Gordon Reid, firmly in the spotlight.

Both major parties have thrown their weight (and wallets) behind big promises: upgrades to roads, improved health services, expanded sporting facilities, support for domestic violence victims, and investments in youth programs.

It’s been a week of announcements and surprise appearances.

But the story doesn’t end with the major parties.

If history is anything to go by, up to a third of Coast voters are likely to back independents or minor parties.

There’s a growing appetite for alternatives – candidates who might not have the same budgets, but who offer something different from the party lines and well-rehearsed slogans.

Our election coverage on CCN’s Election Hub at coastcommunitynews.com.au/election/ dives into the promises, the players, and what it all could mean for life on the Coast after the booths close.

Thanks must go to our dedicated local journalists who have been trawling the promises and commitments during the campaign.

Whatever the outcome, we hope Saturday brings a little clarity, fewer corflutes and perhaps, just perhaps, a calmer political climate ahead.

And yes, there will still be sausages a plenty.

David Abrahams – Managing Editor