LOCAL votes could be a game changer as the Lismore electorate teeters on knife edge with the lead changing hourly.
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Thomas George shot to the front on Tuesday with 53.8 per cent of the vote – a day after Greens candidate Adam Guise looked all but certain to win.
That vote, as of Wednesday morning, has now dropped to 50.4 per cent for George and Guise now sits at 49.6 per cent.
Mr Guise could still make political history as the first Greens politician to grasp the conservative seat.
Voters in Tenterfield threw their support behind Thomas George with 700 votes to Mr Guise’ 155 at last count.
Labor candidate Isaac Smith received 270 while Christian Democrat Gianpiero Battista reached only 60 votes despite numerous campaign trips to Tenterfield.
Mr George picked up the most votes in Urbenville, Tabulam, Liston, Legume and Deepwater.
Drake was the only booth in the Tenterfield Shire that Thomas George wasn’t favoured – losing to Guise.
“It’s the complete unknown and it appears to be changing from moment to moment – we’re in tricky territory now,” Mr Guise said.
“It could be a week before we know anything.”
Whatever the outcome Mr Guise said he couldn’t be happier with how voters have responded.
“I’m blown away by the level of support – humbled and really appreciative.
“It shows that there has been a failure by the Nationals to stand up for regional NSW,” he said.
With such uncertainty Guise was predicting there could be recounts and court challenges before a winner is declared.
“Neither side is ready to concede,” he said.
Lismore is one of only three seats in NSW yet to be declared with most election analysts now expecting Thomas George to retain the seat.
On Saturday The Daily Telegraph and The Australian declared Mr Guise the winner but ABC election analyst Antony Green said it is still up in the air.
“In Lismore the first preferences leave the Nationals with some hope,” Mr Green said.
“The Greens need stronger preference flows to win Lismore and my estimated preferences currently have the Greens just in front.”
That was Sunday and now the ABC is predicting the Nationals to win Lismore.
With only 84 per cent of votes counted Mr George wasn’t ready to call it.
The incumbent has backed away from the limelight since the weekends shock 24 per cent swing against him.
The MP appeared to hurriedly leave his election celebrations in Lismore on Saturday night and parted with a message of “we’ll wait and see”.
Mr George released his only statement Monday afternoon to say it could be a number of days before a result was conclusive.
“It's clear the result of this election in Lismore is incredibly close,” Mr George said.
“It is important that as the NSW Electoral Commission takes the time to ensure all ballots are properly counted recounted over the next few days, we all respect the job they are doing.
“In all likelihood we may not have a declaration until after the Easter long weekend.
“Whatever the outcome, I will accept the decision of the people of the Lismore electorate,” he said.