Young voters say pill testing at music festivals will be a key issue in deciding who they vote for at the state election.
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Early voting for the March 23 poll opened at the Peisley Street election office on Monday morning with a strong turnout of people.
Sharon Williams of Port Macquarie and Michael Hutchinson of Orange said they voted early as Mr Hutchinson was due to have foot surgery on election day.
And Sharmila and John Ristvej said they would be in New Zealand on election day.
Several candidates joined volunteers in handing out how to vote cards.
Member for Orange Phil Donato has not allocated any preferences and is asking voters to only put number one in the box next to his name.
"We haven't done any preference deals. We want to get as many number ones as we can," he said.
Nationals candidate Kate Hazelton has only listed Australian Conservatives' Garry McMahon second and Liberal Democrat Stephen Bisgrove third.
Mr McMahon has only Mrs Hazleton listed as second.
Country Labor's Luke Sanger has listed the Greens' Stephen Nugent second, Mr Donato third and independent Terri Baxter fourth.
Mr Nugent has listed only Mr Sanger as second. Ms Baxter said she would not have any preferences.
Apology to Lexi Mackenzie and Brittney Towns:
- In a previous version of this article, Lexi Mackenzie and Brittney Towns were quoted as discussing music festivals and pill testing, which are serious issues for debate in the upcoming state election. Some readers may have got the false impression that Ms Mackenzie and Ms Towns engaged in drug use themselves, or condoned it. That is wrong and The Central Western Daily had no intention of giving that impression. The Central Western Daily apologises to Ms Mackenzie and Ms Towns for any hurt or embarrassment caused.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
