The usual numbers of votes cast were down with a record number of ballots having already been cast.

Liberal Party helper Craig Mundy, who spent the day handing out how-to-vote cards at Wodonga Senior Secondary College, said there was a noticeable difference to the last election which he spent at the same location.

“It’s significantly quieter, but that’s expected with the 50 per cent prepoll,” Mr Mundy said.

“We had some queues two to three times but they didn’t get outside the gate (as they had in 2014).”

At the St Augustine’s Primary School polling station in Wodonga, things were so quiet that all the representatives were gone before the booth shut at 6pm.

Albury Greens candidate Dean Moss said there had only been a “trickle” of voters since 1pm with noticeable breaks between those entering the school gates.

At the Birallee polling booth there was a big drop from 2014 with 899 votes recorded this time compared to 1684 four years ago.

The big change at all polling booths was the reduction in signage with candidates no longer allowed to erected massive banners.

Mr Mundy said that had made for a “less antagonistic” situation between parties.

Wodonga Labor Party branch president Leah May agreed that tensions had been reduced by the rule which limits candidates to only two placards outside booths.

“It’s a lot nicer than getting up at 3am and putting up bunting and then having to guard it,” Ms May said.

University of Canberra first year politics student Mia McGaffin spent the day handing out how-to-vote cards for independent candidate Jacqui Hawkins.

The 20-year-old said it was noticeable that those in her age group were supporting the 27 year-old contender, “but I’ve seen older voters take flyers because they’re excited to see someone new”.

Ms McGaffin, who remains enrolled to vote in Wodonga despite studying in the capital, said she met Ms Hawkins in July for the first time after federal MP Cathy McGowan suggested she help her campaign.

“I loved seeing this fresh air, a bit of fresh air, and Jacqui has so much passion and she’s passionate about Benambra,” she said.