Former Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White is facing a tight contest in the marginal federal seat of Lyons, where just 1,300 votes determined the outcome in the previous election.
Lyons, held by Labor since 2016 with a razor-thin margin of 0.9%, is one of the most marginal seats in the country heading into today’s federal election.
White arrived at Sorell School, her childhood school, on Saturday morning to cast her vote accompanied by her children.
“This is a marginal seat. It’s one of the most marginal seats in the country and I knew that when I put my hands up, but I’m proud to be standing as a candidate,” White told Sky News.
“I’m voting today at a site where I went to school. I grew up in this community.”
White is contesting the seat following the retirement of Labor MP Brian Mitchell and faces a strong challenge from Liberal candidate Susie Bower.
Bower said it has been an “enormous privilege” to run and hear about the issues facing the community.
“While I’ve been able to achieve a lot as a candidate, nothing in this campaign would be possible without the enormous support from my fantastic volunteers,” Bower said.
“People from all backgrounds, all across the electorate have offered their time and effort to our campaign and I am so grateful for their contribution.”
The result in Lyons could prove crucial in the overall election outcome, particularly if other marginal seats across the country also deliver close results.
