The faux campaign is done and dusted.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has finally driven to Yarralumla to visit the Governor-General and the starting pistol has been fired.

The official campaigning for the federal election is underway: Australians will go to the polls on Saturday 21st May, marking a six-week campaign.

While the major opinion polls show Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is well clear of his opponent (53.6 to 56% to 44% to 46.4% two party preferred with built in margins), there is no doubt that this election is still close and either side could win. Polls are known to tighten as elections draw closer as those disengaged from the daily political noise start to take notice and make up their minds.

With polling showing more than one in five Australians have yet to decide who they want to lead the nation for the next three years, political parties have sharpened their focus to the key marginal seats they need to win to form the next government.

The Federal Electoral Division of Page is a long narrow strip of land that encompasses Lismore, Nimbin, Casino, Kyogle, Grafton and as far south as Woolgoolga and parts of north Coffs Harbour.

Kevin Hogan from the Nationals needs a 9.5% swing against him to lose the seat of Page. This is considered a safe seat for the coalition.

Image: Kevin Hogan

In 2019, Mr Hogan had a 7.1% to him with Labor's Patrick Deegan a 7.1% against in the two party system after preferences.

Mr Hogan won 49.6% of the primary vote in 2019.

The Page electorate has four candidates that have nominated at this stage of the 2022 election:

• Keving Hogan - National Party
• Patrick Deegan - Labor Party
• Kashmir Miller - The Greens
• Dr Hannabeth Luke - Independent

There were 7 candidates in the 2019 federal election

Key information for the federal election is below:

33 days must take place between the issuing of the writs and polling day.

You can enrol to vote, or check your enrolment (and address is correct) by going to https://www.aec.gov.au/

Enrolment to vote closes seven days after the writs are issued.

Everyone over the age of 18 must enrol as a voter with the AEC.

Early voting commences from Monday 9th May.

With the election being held during a pandemic, early voting and postal voting is likely to surge.

If you’re in isolation on voting day, you will be able to vote by phone-in. More details will be released by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) shortly.

Polling places will be open from Saturday 21st May, 8am to 6pm.

Remember that voting is compulsory for those aged 18 and over. Democracy sausage sandwiches are not compulsory but advised. After all, it’s an Australian tradition.

The Lismore App will keep you informed before, during and after election day. Strap in, it could be a close one.