After running the gauntlet of pamphlet-wielding campaign volunteers and deciphering the ballot paper, voters can always rely on the local P&C to provide a delicious reward for locals carrying out their democratic duty.

But the traditional sausage sizzle can mean elections are as much work for parents as they are for politicians says mum Cindy Allen, who has been helping with the preparations at Giralang Primary School for days.

"We've been shopping frantically for days," she said.

"We've got 500 sausages and we'll probably go through 300 bacon and egg rolls."

Polls open at 8am at 80 sites across the capital, and those in search of the superior sausage sizzle are free to cast their vote – and feed their face – at whichever they please.

Canberra Times journalist Ewa Kretowicz (@ewakretowicz) will be on the scene, taking in the colour as Canberrans flock to vote in one of three electorates – Brindabella, Ginninderra and Molonglo.

ACT Electoral Commissioner Phil Green said electronic voting would also be operating in the current pre-polling sites at Belconnen, Canberra City, Downer, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Woden.

"They'll be operating on the day, but the other sites will all be doing the typical paper ballot," he said.

Despite describing the electronic system is reasonably straight forward, Mr Green said there would be yellow-clad assistants on hand to help voters.

"Instead of being given a ballot paper, you get a barcode," he said.

"Swipe that and it will bring up your ballot paper in your electorate."

The electronic voting booths also operate in 12 additional languages, as well as offering headphones for the vision-impaired.

Voters with paper ballots can cast their votes by numbering 1, 2, 3, and so on in the candidate squares on the ballot paper in the order of choice.

"Make sure you don't use ticks or crosses, and don't use the same number twice," Mr Green said.

Polls close at 6pm, but election enthusiasts can continue to take part in the action either online or in person.

Mr Green said the public were welcome to join the media throng in the tally room, open from 6pm at the Canberra Institute of Technology in Reid.

"It's usually packed with people," he said.

"It's very popular."

Updates will be available through the day, and full live coverage will begin on canberratimes.com.au from 6pm.

For full coverage of the campaign trail, tally room and after parties, follow the Canberra Times #actvotes team: Noel Towell (@noeltowell), Lisa Cox (@_LisaMCox), Michael Inman (@mickinman), Ewa Kretowicz (@ewakretowicz) and Jenna Clarke (@jennamclarke)