NSW Super Saturday by-election results expected to take time after huge surge in postal votes - 9News

Polls have closed after thousands of residents cast their votes in four state electorates during New South Wales' by-election Super Saturday.

After only a few months in the top job, the by-elections are the first test of Dominic Perrottet's premiership.

The four seats where residents voted today are Strathfield, Monaro, Bega and Willoughby — Gladys Berejiklian's former seat — however results are not expected for some time.

Super Saturday marks four by-elections across the state. (9News)

As predicted by the NSW Electoral Commission, about half the usual number of voters turned up in person to cast their votes, with a large proportion of residents using the postal system.

Due to the deadline for postal votes being extended to February 25, results could take longer than usual.

Labor MP Prue Car said early observations showed swings to Labor in Bega, Strathfield and Monaro.

"But of course this is a very strange election where we're looking at upwards of 50 per cent of people that have voted before election day," she said.

"So we'll see what happens with the pre-poll numbers coming in and the postals, but there's certainly an early indication, a reflection of what people think of Dominic Perrottet at this stage."

Ms Car added management of the Omicron COVID-19 strain, and the adherence of health advice was a concern, particularly in the Strathfield and Burwood community.

Voters are already heading to the polls. (9News)

"As a result, not only the health system was smashed, but local businesses, communities, families, people were certainly concerned about that, and it looks like they may have used their vote today to send the premier a message," she said.

While Liberal MP Victor Dominello said this election was expected to be particularly tough.

"It always is for governments in by-elections. I'm a by-election baby," he said.

"I've been here [in Bega] pretty much all day, in Strathfield for three or four days, and not once has anybody come up and said they were particularly upset or angry at the government on a given issue. People generally keep to themselves and obviously reflect their intentions at the ballot box."

Votes are continuing to role in, with early indications from Bega voters showing the possibility of Labor flipping the seat previously held by Transport Minister Andrew Constance.

Votes from Strathfield are expected to be close between Labor and Liberal, with Labor members Elizabeth Farrelly and Courtney Buckley proving strong contenders for Jodi McKay's former seat.

Independent Larissa Penn, vocal about fighting over-development and road tunnelling, is also proving a popular candidate in Willoughby, the former NSW Premier's old seat.

The state government is at risk of being plunged further into a parliamentary minority, with three of the four seats being government-held.

If the government loses any of those seats, it means they will face a parliamentary minority.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns has made an appearance at Moruya Public School with local Labor candidate Dr Michael Holland in the Bega by-election.

He said the by-elections give residents the opportunity to send a message to the government.

"I do think it is a chance for voters to send a message to the NSW premier that they want to see him do a better job," Mr Minns said.

"Voters recognise you can't change the government in a by-election but you can send a message to the NSW premier and change the direction of the government."

Liberal candidate for Strathfield Bridget Sakr has arrived at Chalmers Road School to rally voters in their decision making.

Former deputy premier John Bariliaro will be popping up at Jerrabomberra Public School to show his support for the Nationals candidate Nicholle Overall for the Monaro by-election.

The results are expected to take longer than usual. (9News)

Premier Dominic Perrottet will be showing his support for the Liberal candidate Tim James at Cammeray Public School for the Willoughby by-election.

He will also be campaigning at Homebush Public school to show his support for Ms Sakr in the Strathfield by-election.

Your COVID-19 questions answered

The by-elections were caused by the resignations of Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Opposition Leader Jodi McKay, Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Transport Minister Andrew Constance.

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2022-02-12 09:44:30Z
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