THE by-election for the state seat of Canterbury will be held this weekend with

ALP candidate Sophie Cotsis fighting against Greens candidate Kristian Bodell and Christian Democrat Branka Kouroushis.

The Saturday election will end one of the longest seat vacancies in NSW for 10 years — 191 days.

The seat has been empty since May 6, when Labor MP Linda Burney resigned to step into the federal seat of Barton.

Labor has the box seat heading into the three-candidate ballot battle.

Canterbury has been a safe Labor seat for over 80 years, with the party claiming all election victories bar one since 1913.

Ms Cotsis was the first Australian-Greek woman elected to the NSW Parliament and is the frontrunner, but is the only candidate not to live in Canterbury — she lives in Kyeemagh.

Sportsbet has Labor at $1.01 to win, the Christian Democratic Party at $16, and the Greens at $21.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Polling places are open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday. Voting is compulsory and non-voters face a $55 fine.

Pre-poll voting closes on Friday.

For a list of all polling places go to elections.nsw.gov.au

MEET THE CANDIDATES

media_camera Australian Labor Party candidate Sophie Cotsis, 43.

Lives: Kyeemagh

Policies: $9 million upgrade to Canterbury Hospital emergency department; fight hospital privatisation; fight TAFE cuts; local jobs;better education facilities.

Biggest local issue:Future of health services.

Why vote for me: Born and raised locally, I understand the values of our multicultural community. I’ll never take Canterbury for granted. The Baird Government has disrespected our community by its lack of consultation. If you want someone to stand up for our community, vote 1 Labor.

media_camera Christian Democratic Party candidate Branka Kouroushis, 41.

Lives: Belmore

Policies: More funding for Canterbury Hospital, aged care, mental health; better transport; support for new jobs and small business; more green space; disability access.

Biggest local issue:Lack of support for the elderly and disabled.

Why vote for me:I speak Serbian, Greek, Russian, Croatian, Macedonian and English. As a volunteer and worker I understand the community’s needs. Being a Christian, endorses my love for all. My word is my promise, and my promise is always kept.

media_camera Greens candidate Kristian Bodell, 25.

Lives: Hurlstone Park

Policies:Oppose the privatisation of rail through Sydney Metro; affordable, integrated and efficient public transport; affordable and accessible health; sustainable well-planned development.

Biggest local issue:The inferior Sydenham to Bankstown Metro.

The Greens are founded on the principles of social and economic equality, peace and nonviolence and ecological sustainability.

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