Pre-polling kicked off across the state on Monday, November 14.
The News went to the Shepparton pre-polling booths on High St to chat to people about what they see as the biggest election issues this year and who they voted for.
Here’s what they had to say.
James Snooks, Shepparton North
What do you see as the biggest issues this election?
“The bypass. We’ve heard promises but nothing’s been done.”
Who did you vote for?
“The Labor candidate (Liam Cowan) because although he hasn’t done much in terms of advertising, I feel that a fresh approach is the only way they’ll get something done here.”
Why is voting important to you?
“We have to get our point across. If we can’t vote, nothing’s going to be done“
Rhonda Scolyer, Nathalia
What do you see as the biggest issues this election?
“We need something done about our health, roads, education, the homeless.”
Who did you vote for?
“I’d rather not say. I mean, I like Suzanna Sheed, I think she’s done really well for our region, but it was a bit of a toss-up.”
Garry Semmens, Shepparton
What do you see as the biggest issues this election?
“Mental health, drug and alcohol usage, homelessness — and the amount of government housing we’ve got in town isn’t very much.”
Who did you vote for?
“Suzanna Sheed. Since she’s been in, we’ve been a lot more independent and you just have to look at the development that’s happened in Shepparton over the last few years, and it will continue if she gets in.”
Why is voting important to you?
“I’m one that likes to have an opinion and if you don't vote, you lose your right to have an opinion on what the government does.“
Alnour Achoung Geng Agog, Mooroopna
What do you see as the biggest issues this election?
“We need more jobs here and parts of the road need to be fixed around the area.”
Who did you vote for?
“I’d prefer not to say but I think the person I voted for, I think she’s going to be really good.”
Why is voting important to you?
“I want to vote because it’s my right to vote. I need my vote to be there because my vote will make a change and help the country.”
Marlene Atkinson, Shepparton
What do you see as the biggest issues this election?
“Inflation and cost of living.”
Who did you vote for?
“Cheryl Hammer. Just recently, we lost a young woman in the Koori community and we approached Cheryl through one of our people in the community and she was very supportive, very helpful and it was such a relief to have that kind of support in such a heartbreaking situation and time in the community.”
Why is voting important to you?
“My father instilled in us from the get-go to vote because if you want to make a change in your community, you have to vote.”