A lock was broken on the back door to the Horton Street premises.

An Electoral Commission spokesperson said that nothing was stolen in the break-in.

“The NSW Electoral Commission confirms that there was a break-in at the Port Macquarie-Hastings returning officer's office on Saturday night - July 22, 2017,” the spokesperson said.

“The NSW Electoral Commission responded promptly by reporting the incident to the police.

“The NSW Electoral Commission can confirm that nothing was stolen.”

The spokesperson said a careful reconciliation was undertaken by the returning officer, and the NSW Electoral Commission can confirm that no Port Macquarie-Hastings mayoral by-election ballot papers or electoral materials were disturbed.

“All completed pre-poll ballot papers are kept in a ballot box secured with tamper-proof, numbered seals,” the spokesperson said.

“The box is only opened after polls close at 6pm on election day.

“These seals were intact. All unissued ballot papers have been reconciled and all were found to be present.”

Pre-poll voting at the returning officer’s office opened for voting unaffected and will continue to 6pm Friday July 28, 2017.

Port Macquarie police confirmed the break-in and said their investigations are continuing.

The electoral commission would not be drawn on security measures that were in place prior to the break-in.

The premises were secured with a security guard and this will continue to the end of the election period. 

Despite the break-in, pre-poll voting is continuing across the Port Macquarie-Hastings.

Port Macquarie, 63 Horton Street – Wednesday and Thursday, 8.30am until 5.30pm and Friday July 28, 8.30am until 6pm.

Wauchope Indoor Stadium, 82-84 Cameron Street – Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am until 5.30pm and Friday July 28, 8.30am until 6pm.

Camden Haven Scout Hall, 5 Tunis Street – Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am until 5.30pm and Friday July 28, 8.30am until 6pm.