Maitland voters headed to the polls on Saturday to decide their state representatives for the next four years.
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Labor incumbent Jenny Aitchison, who first won the seat in 2015 and holds it with a 14.7 per cent margin, is seeking re-election.
Her challengers are Campbell Knox (The Greens), Michael Cooper (Liberal), Neil Turner (One Nation), Sam Ferguson (Sustainable Australia Party), Alex Lee (Independent) and Daniel Dryden (Legalise Cannabis Party).
And they're off: polling booths are open in Maitland
Voters started collecting early at polling booths around the electorate.
At Nilo Infant School in Lorn, a joint polling booth for the adjoining seats of Upper Hunter and Maitland, Sheree Harvie was among the first in line to ensure she got in early and didn't forget to vote in the rush of the day.
"I wanted to get in early and make sure it was done. My husband has already voted at pre-polling," said Sheree, from Bolwarra, who arrived about 10 minutes before the doors had opened.
Outside the polling booth was already a hive of activity with the first "democracy sausages" already sizzling on the barbecue with Ivan Sellns and Aaron Spinks manning the first shift to ensure the election day tradition runs smoothly.
The Nilo Infant School cake stall was packed with goodies and the sausages, cakes and other treats are renowned as among the best election day fare on offer in the Hunter. All funds raised go to school programs.
Ivan said they started setting up about 7am and sausages would be available to just after lunch.
Among those enjoying a democracy sausage was Lea Cross, a second year student a Nilo Infant School and the third generation of her family to attend the school.
Her mum Amy Bartolacci and brother Artie dropped off a couple of delicious trays of cakes before sampling some of the other treats on offer.
A camaraderie exists among the election day volunteers and among those doing the first shift was 83-year-old Marilyn Philip who has been handing out how to vote cards since she retired 23 years ago.
Mrs Philip, who was handing out votes for incumbent Nationals MP Dave Layzell, said despite people representing different parties it was a very friendly day at Lorn, with lovely people from all sides of politics.
"I've enjoying playing my part by volunteering at the booth. It's important to support what you believe in, but the people from all sides make it a lot of fun," she said.
"You see how hard politicians work and I think we should be a lot more appreciative of them from all sides."
Maitland councillor and former mayor Loretta Baker was on hand for the Labor Party and said polling suggested it was going to be tight contest across the state with Labor just in front.
Cr Baker said Labor's Upper Hunter candidate Peree Watson had run a very strong and active campaign and was hopeful of her being elected.
Over at Millers Forest Public School, the smell of democracy sausages is filling the air.
Millers Forest P&C association volunteers Tracy Robertson, Claire Cummings, Hillary Burgess and Tracee Lee are running a barbecue and cake stall, raising money for the school's end of year fun day.
Liberal candidate for Maitland Michael Cooper is at Thornton Public School this morning, and said it's been wonderful to be around people in Maitland throughout the election and offer a voice for the conservative party.
"We've run a really energetic and positive campaign, and we've felt people have really appreciated our respectful and positive way we've gone about our campaign this year, which is lovely," he said.
If the coalition is re-elected to government, and Mr Cooper wins the seat of Maitland, he said his first priority, after taking stock of where we're at, will be to make sure people are heard.
"Our plan is to keep NSW moving forward," he said.
"Once we've taken an inventory, we'll set up a mechanism where Maitland people can have a voice and be heard, not just in elections but on a day to day basis."
Thornton Public School has a barbecue, easter egg raffle and chocolate toss game, raising money for the students.
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison is at Rutherford Technology High School today, and has cast her vote.
She said she's feeling good after a long week.
"It's been really positive with everybody's response," she said.
Her top priority, if re-elected and Labor wins government, is staffing at Maitland Hospital.
"I think it's got to be the hospital, getting those nurses, that's been something everyone has raised with me," she said.
"And of course, getting more teachers in our classrooms, and then the roads. Those are the top three that have been consistent throughout the campaign."
Also at Rutherford Technology High School, the delicious looking cake stall has proven popular with marshmallow and mars bar slices already sold out.
The stall is raising money for the school's support unit, Maitland Tutorial Centre.
Where to vote in Maitland
Polling booths will be open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday, March 25.
- East Maitland Public School, William Street, East Maitland NSW 2323. Fully wheelchair accessible
- Gillieston Heights Community Hub, Redwood Dr & Pine St, Gillieston Heights NSW 2321 Fully wheelchair accessible
- Largs Public School, 1 Hunter Street, Largs NSW 2320. Assisted access, Building has lips and/or steps, No accessible toilet, No designated accessible parking spot, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- Lochinvar Public School, 95 New England Highway, Lochinvar NSW 2321
- Maitland Church Of Christ, 1 Garnett Road, East Maitland NSW 2323. Assisted access, Building has lips and/or steps, May have limited circulation space in voting area, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- Maitland High School, High Street, East Maitland NSW 2323. Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spot, Access ramp does not meet standards
- Maitland Police Citizens Youth Club, 3 James Street, Maitland NSW 2320. Fully wheelchair accessible
- Metford Public School, Schanck Drive, Metford NSW 2323. Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spot, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- Millers Forest Public School, Martins Wharf Road, Millers Forest NSW 2324. Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spot, Access ramp does not meet standards
- Morpeth Uniting Church, High Street, Morpeth NSW 2321. Assisted access, Building has lips and/or steps, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- Nillo Infants School, Belmore Road, Lorn NSW 2320. Assisted access, Access ramp does not meet standards, Door width less than 760mm, No accessible toilet, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- Rutherford Community Centre, 13 Arthur St, Rutherford NSW 2320. Fully wheelchair accessible
- Rutherford Playtime Pre-School, 75 Regiment Road, Rutherford NSW 2320
- Rutherford Technology High School, 30 Avery Street, Rutherford NSW 2320. Fully wheelchair accessible
- Shamrock Hill Multi-Purpose Centre, 19 Galway Bay Drive, Ashtonfield NSW 2323. Fully wheelchair accessible
- Somerset Sporting Complex, Somerset Drive, Thornton NSW 2322. Assisted access, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- St Michael's Anglican Church, 32 Government Rd, Thornton NSW 2322
- St Pauls Parish Hall, Young Street, Rutherford NSW 2320. Assisted access, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- Story House Early Learning Aberglasslyn, 10 McKeachie Drive, Aberglasslyn NSW 2320. Assisted access, No accessible toilet
- Telarah Public School, Raymond Street, Telarah NSW 2320. Assisted access, No accessible toilets
- Tenambit Public School, Edward Street, Tenambit NSW 2323. Assisted access, Building has lips and/or steps, No designated accessible parking spot, No accessible toilet, Path of travel from car park may be difficult
- Thornton Public School, Taylor Avenue, Thornton NSW 2322. Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spoPath of travel from car park may be difficult
- Woodberry Public School, Lawson Avenue, Woodberry NSW 2322. Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spot, Path of travel from car park may be difficult