THE number of early voters is expected to jump across Victoria with electors no longer having to give a reason for not waiting until polling day to lodge their ballot.
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The change in legislation appeared to have an immediate impact at Wodonga’s prepolling centre on Monday.
On the first day of voting 1262 votes were recorded across Benambra.
Returning officer Trevor Deacon said the increased numbers on the 2014 election had been anticipated with employees doubling to 16 and issuing desks for ballots going from three to six.
“Anyone can come in and vote early and we were expecting there would be a pretty good take up, which is what we’ve got,” Mr Deacon said.
He predicts 15,000 votes will be cast at the High Street centre before election day on November 24.
That amounts to a third of the enrolment and compares to 12,000 at the 2014 poll.
Voters gave The Border Mail a variety of reasons for doing their democratic duty before election day.
They included convenience, ill-health, an overseas trip and attending a wedding.
Meanwhile, the wagering firm Sportsbet has framed a market for Benambra with Liberal incumbent Bill Tilley a $1.10 favourite followed by independents Jacqui Hawkins ($4) and Jenny O’Connor ($6).
Labor is considered an $18 chance with the Greens $36 and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers $71.
In Ovens Valley, independent Tammy Atkins is rated a $5 hope by Sportsbet with sitting Nationals member Tim McCurdy a $1.15 market leader to win a second term.
In Euroa, the incumbent Steph Ryan (Nationals) is $1.14, with a figure not set for former Benalla mayor Don Firth, who is running as an independent.
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