Tamworth candidates ready themselves for final push as election looms

The NSW Electoral Commission has declined to give out pre-polling numbers, but anecdotally, the Tamworth booth is seeing anywhere from 500 to 1000 people a day.

Independent Mark Rodda said he's embraced the underdog label.

"If the pre-polling is any indication of the election, I think it's going to be an interesting result," the Tamworth councillor said.

"I'm not conceding, but I'm definitely the underdog.

"I'm standing for the people who want to express their dissatisfaction with the current government."

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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has been out the front of the Tamworth pre-poll booth, handing out how-to-vote cards every day since it opened.

"It's really encouraging to see so many people pre-polling," he said.

"I'm working hard, not only to show people what we've delivered over the past few years, but what our strong plan is for the future."

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon said his party's message was really cutting through in Gunnedah. 

"The electorate is more than just Tamworth, so we've been working hard in the regions and we're being rewarded for that," he said.

"We're going really well in Gunnedah, and I think that could help us over the line."

While Labor has traditionally had a hard time getting a foothold in Tamworth, candidate Stephen Mears said people were much more open to the party's message this election.

"I've had dozens of invites for scones and biscuits," he said with a smile.

"I think they're sick of hearing the same old promises and seeing nothing happen."

Greens' candidate Robin Gunning said her message about the dangers of climate change was cutting through, particularly with the electorate's female voters.

"Many of them share similar concern about the environment," she said.

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