WA Election 2025: Early polling in Albany begins at Dog Rock Boulevard, street poll reveals slight Labor lead

Albany voters turned out in their droves on Monday for the first day of early voting with a street poll revealing a marginal lead for the Labor incumbent. The Advertiser spoke to 40 people outside the polling stations at Dog Rock Boulevard with 16 people saying they would vote Labor and 14 voting Liberals. The electorate has been touted as a decider between the two major parties, with Liberal candidate Tom Brough bringing a hot contest to incumbent Labor member Rebecca Stephens. Five voters said they were keen to see the Nationals’ Scott Leary in power, one voting for the Greens’ Lynn MacLaren, one for Independent Mario Lionetti and three yet to make a decision. There was a strong tilt towards older people among the early voter demographic, with the majority of those surveyed aged between 60 and 90. Grandmother Eve O’Brien said though she was voting for Labor with the Greens as a second preference, she was disillusioned by her options. “I think they’re both pretty similar but Labor is the better of the two,” she said. “If they had different policies it would have given us a better choice but it’s like choosing between Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto coming up the rear. “I look after my autistic grandson and there is nothing from anyone about support for grandparents, which is really what matters to me. “Labor and Greens are better for the environment though and I want the next generation to have something left to enjoy and protect.” A man in his 60s — who asked not be named — said Liberal candidate Tom Brough had earned his vote for his “Albany-focused” policies, such as the Keep the Sheep campaign and housing promises. “It’s time for us to get off the red bandwagon and vote Labor out because nothing’s been done for 20 years,” he said. A woman in her 20s said she was waiting to learn more about each candidate before voting. “I’ve definitely seen their faces heaps around town but I don’t know what they want to do or how they’re different from each other,” she said. “I’ll do more research but to be absolutely honest, I’m not that fussed.” Voting will be open until 6pm on March 8.