Post-flood exodus may sway vote in Lismore in NSW state election, candidates say

Volunteers hand out how-to-vote pamphlets at a pre-poll voting booth in Lismore. (ABC North Coast: Bruce MacKenzie)

In a seat held by a margin of less than 2 per cent, the lingering effects of last year's catastrophic flood could be a key factor in more ways than one in Saturday's NSW election.

Figures from the National Emergency Management Agency show more than 600 homes in the Lismore LGA were severely damaged or destroyed during the natural disaster, with another 1,200 receiving minor to moderate damage.