With only one week until the Victorian state election, pre-polling is at record levels.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
By election day on November 24, the Victorian Electoral Commission estimates about half of the state's 4.1 million voters will have already cast their ballot.
By Friday evening, 428,000 people had voted.
Campaigning this week picked up pace with the major parties promising millions in new funding initiatives.
Since Wednesday, the Liberal-Nationals have promised support for disability enterprises and respite services, a commission to advise government on mining, fish habitat restoration and new counter-terrorism measures.
They have also vowed to deport violent foreign repeat offenders, programs for people in drug rehab, solar grants, car parks in Ballarat and TV and fridge subsidies for low-income households.
Labor on Saturday promised increased support for LGBTI communities, including funding for more regional pride festivals and an expansion of family counselling services.
It follows promises for mobile chargers at Melbourne train stations, free car parks across Ballarat, new trains for the Geelong and Ballarat lines and free pads and tampons at all state schools.
They have also pledged regional hospital upgrades, cheaper camping in state and national parks and to enshrine a ban on gas fracking into the Victorian constitution.
Meanwhile, the Greens have faced turmoil as it emerged Footscray candidate Angus McAlpine had once rapped about date rape and domestic violence.
Premier Daniel Andrews slammed the minor party saying it had a "massive cultural problem" in continuing to stand behind its candidate.
On Saturday, the Greens are expected to get on with campaigning, holding a press conference in St Kilda East to call for an end to greyhound racing.
Reason Party leader Fiona Patten will do a tour across Melbourne pre-polling booths on Saturday to encourage her candidates.
Ms Patten, whose party was originally the Australian Sex Party, will travel to voting stations in South Yarra, Richmond, Mill Park, Pascoe Vale, Footscray and the CBD.
Australian Associated Press