VOTERS are being urged to bring their own pencils to vote in Saturday's Eden-Monaro by-election as part of COVID-19 preventative steps.
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The Australian Electoral Commission has adopted various measures for the first federal ballot to be held since the coronavirus outbreak.
Booths, including those at Khancoban's visitor centre, Rosewood's public school and Tumbarumba's high school, will be adhering to social distancing with markers on the ground inside and outside.
Liquid soap will be on hand and screens will be erected between voters and election officials.
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Electors are advised to bring their own pencils to mark ballots, but some will also be provided although they will be binned after being used once.
Mats will be placed in each cardboard booth to write on and they will be cleaned regularly through the day.
The Australian Electoral Officer for NSW Warwick Austin said the process may take slightly longer than usual.
"Due to the range of required COVID-19 safety measures we've implemented, we are asking you to be patient as it may take a little longer to get into the polling place and to cast your vote," he said.
Mr Austin said the added measures may also delay counting of votes and in turn the result.
His party's candidate Kristy McBain, a former Bega Valley mayor, was on Friday a $1.60 favourite in betting markets to win the by-election, ahead of Liberal contender Fiona Kotvojs ($2.30).
Albury-born Nationals hopeful Trevor Hicks was a $17 chance.