Freedom is easy on election day

THE smell of barbecue wafted through the open air as people lined up at Pleasant Street Primary School to cast their vote for the Federal election.

After Labor Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, arrived to cast in her ballot, she said the day showcased “democracy in action.”

“I think it’s really lovely. I think people are very cheerful and when the sun’s out like this and it’s a beautiful Ballarat day I think people are proud to come out and cast their vote,” he said.

“There’s lots of people out and about early. It’s a beautiful sunny day and let’s hope for an Albanese Labor Government.”

Helen Romeril, assistant principal at Pleasant Street Primary, handed out democracy sausages alongside a wood raffle in support of the school, and said the polls provided a great place for locals to have a chat.

“A lot of our school families have been coming in and a lot of the others seem to know each other so there’s a real community-centric vibe to today,” she said.

“We’ve got Catherine King here and Ben Green as well so quite a few of the candidates here which has been good. It’s been a great turnout overall.”

Dallas Gangur arrived to vote early and said the turnout ran smoother than he’d anticipated.

“It was all quick and easy to do. Everyone explained everything really well and I felt I was able to actually make an informed vote,” he said.

“The food helps, and kids are able to just hang around and play while the older people get onto their voting. It’s a nice, chill atmosphere.”