With 13 candidates running in the Kiama by-election, The Bugle asked 13 people at random at the pre-poll voting station at Kiama Uniting Church their thoughts on Saturday’s big vote.

Here’s what they had to say.

Question: What influenced your vote at the prepoll today?

Kate.

Kate, of Kiama: “I’m worried about overdevelopment in the Kiama area. There’s not enough infrastructure to cope with the amount of people coming into the town. Also, that it’s increasingly harder to rent a property in this area. I’m a tenant and if I have to leave where I am, I won’t be able to rent in Kiama again because it’s out of my price range as a single mother.”

Alan, of Kiama: “I’ve always voted for Labor, since the days of Gough Whitlam as PM. I’m a former teacher and just agree with their polices, and think Chris Minns is doing a good job as Premier. I’d like the next MP to focus on affordable housing so we can keep more younger people here.”

Helen, of Kiama: “I’m the same as Alan. I’ve voted Labor since we’ve been together (in the early 1970s). I agree that housing is a big issue. How can most young people possibly afford to buy a house these days?”

Catherine.

Catherine, of Gerringong: “Housing is a big issue, but I understand it’s not a one-trick pony. All layers of government need to work together much better to improve the housing supply and affordability. I lean left, but any government should realise the importance of good education, health and housing.”

Rob, of Kiama: “Overdevelopment is a big concern for me. Kiama’s way too busy now, and there’s more pain coming with some of the development that’s planned, like in Akuna Street. I’d like the new MP to also look at how the harbour in Kiama could be revamped.”

Beverley.

Beverley, of Kiama: “Nothing really. I’m just a Labor person at the moment, and Katelin McInerney is a Kiama girl.”

Kade, of Kiama: “We’ve got a local girl (in McInerney) and she’s certainly trying to do a lot for the local area. We’re long-term Kiama locals and it’s certainly a concern about housing affordability. We need funding for a lot of our groups and hopefully we’re going to get somewhere with that (with a new state MP).”

Kade.

Mark, of Gerringong: “I’m a swing voter. I voted for the Liberals in the past two (state) elections, but I changed to Labor this time because I feel that with Labor in government, we might be able to get some of the things we really need. We need more jobs and affordable housing to keep the younger people in our community.”

Robin, of Kiama: “We need better health services in Kiama. Something like a mini-hospital and more doctors here. We also need more employment for younger people in our local area. It’s so hard for young people to live in a place like Kiama now. The candidate I voted for just then can hopefully help make some of these changes.”

Fay, of Kiama: “Transport is a big one for me. We need more buses and there’s a lack of taxis here now. I know there’s Uber, but I prefer taxis. The bus routes should also be improved.”

Steve and Dawn, of Jamberoo: “We saw a couple of interviews with a particular candidate and felt this person could get things done for the community. We’ve been supporters of Gareth Ward. He got things done for the community. But obviously that’s all changed. We’re hopeful the new MP will continue the good work of Gareth.”

Ben.

Ben, of Kiama: “I’m not really involved in politics. There wasn’t really much influence (on how I voted) because I don’t look into it.”