Relaxed leaders cast their votes

By Georgie Burgess
Updated March 15 2014 - 5:49pm, first published 3:52pm

ALL three Tasmanian political party leaders have now cast their vote in today's state election.

Each looked surprisingly relaxed, but none were willing to make a prediction about the outcome.

Liberal Leader Will Hodgman shared a laugh and a cuddle with members of his young family as he cast his vote at the Hobart Town Hall. 

Despite all polls pointing to a Liberal majority government being installed, Mr Hodgman said he could not be confident of a result until numbers started coming into the tally room tonight.

``There's a long way to go in this election even still, and just a few hours can be very important in how people are voting,'' he said.

Mr Hodgman said voting in today's state election was an unusual experience.

``There's a lot riding on this,'' he said.

``My vote is one of several hundred thousand, and I think it's a fantastic thing for our democracy.'' 

Premier Lara Giddings said she predicted the result would be tighter than the latest polls showed, as she cast her vote in Lindisfarne this morning. 

Ms Giddings said she there was a feeling of anticipation and excitement. 

``Also a feeling of dauntedness as you wonder what the future will hold,'' she said.

The latest Newspoll showed the Liberals were on track to seize power with 53 per cent support compared to Labor's 23 per cent, but Ms Giddings said she was not contemplating her future if the Liberals win.

``People do tend to come back on polling day and I think (for) traditional Labor supporters, it's very difficult to move your pen across to the Liberal Party,'' she said.

Greens Leader Nick McKim said he was still willing to work with any party in government, as he arrived at a Blackmans Bay polling booth this afternoon with parents John and Joanne.

``Mum and Dad have been great this election, and all candidates need support from their loved ones,'' he said.

Mr McKim said it was great to participate in democracy.

``To be able to vote in an election where there's no violence or threats of intimidation is a rare and precious thing and we're so lucky in Tasmania,'' he said.

Polling booths close at 6pm, and results will be out from 6.30pm onwards.

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