Scandal hits Batman by-election with seniors phoned, told they didn't have to vote
Updated
The by-election for the Federal seat of Batman has been marred by a last-minute scandal, with reports elderly voters received phone calls telling them they did not have to vote.
In response, Labor launched a phone call and SMS blitz urging senior voters to attend polling centres.
A campaign spokesman decried the move.
"Lying to elderly people is as low as it gets," he said.
"We're encouraging all Batman residents to ignore these dirty tricks and exercise their right to vote."
The electorate has a high proportion of elderly voters, who are traditionally more supportive of Labor.
Polls have closed and counting has begun with the Greens tipped to seize what was formerly a safe seat for Labor.
Greens candidate Alex Bhathal is running for the seat for the sixth time.
Former Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) president Ged Kearney hopes to hold onto Batman for the ALP.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of David Feeney, who was unable to find documents proving he was not a foreign citizen.
The seat in Melbourne's inner-north takes in trendy suburbs such as Northcote and Clifton Hill, and stretches to Preston and Reservoir further north.
It was once a Labor heartland, but gentrification has changed the demographics of the area.
The Greens campaign has focused on Queensland's Adani coal mine project and Australia's refugee policies, however Ms Bhathal told ABC radio housing was the number one concern of voters across the electorate.
Her campaign had been marred by internal party leaks, alleging bullying.
Labor's announcement of changes to tax policy and franking credits could hurt Ged Kearney's chances in Batman, where there is a large contingent of senior voters.
The Australian Electoral Commission says more than 16,500 people cast an early vote, with another 14,500 registering for a postal vote.
Topics: elections, government-and-politics, melbourne-3000
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