WITH about 40 per cent of the votes returned as of late last week, campaigning by the 24 Wyndham City Council hopefuls has decidedly slowed.
While some have treated the campaign as a near-military operation – arming themselves with battle maps, backpacks and extra shoes in their attempt to squeeze every possible vote from their wards – others are expecting their experience or reputation to carry them through.
In fact, some high profile candidates and at least three incumbents seem to think they’re a sure bet.
To some, the ward databases with voter contact information has represented a possible gold mine.
A few sharp thinkers have extracted details of the large proportion of non-resident land-holders enrolled in each of the wards.
They’ve then packaged their material and sent information about Wyndham’s road problems and police shortage the length and breadth of Australia.
Non-residents are not required to vote, but any extra votes could make a difference between winning and losing.
The proportional voting system has everyone predicting the results as they would a chess game, estimating how many number 2s or 3s they’ll need to get over the line.
One former mayor is slightly miffed about promised support that a Labor party candidate failed to deliver.
As a result, a few candidates are not as hopeful as they were during the initial excitement of their announcement.
“It’s disappointing and exhausting fighting the power of party politics,” said one.
The 40 per cent return rate means that about half the voters will wait until this week to decide, defying earlier studies showing people usually vote as soon as they receive their ballot packs.
A few candidates have planned to wait for the results as a group.
News should start emerging Saturday morning when the 30 data entry operators begin to input results once voting closes at 6pm.
At least one candidate has ordered his scrutineer to relay news every few moments so he can immediately see any developing trends, then prepare for the best or the worst.
A reception is planned for the Civic Centre this Sunday night for the nine candidates who emerge as winners, as well as any sportsman-like losers who care to attend.
It will be interesting to see who shows up.
