The Newcastle Herald understands that police are involved after Mr MacKenzie – who has been handing out how to vote cards for a number of candidates throughout the day – became involved in an altercation with another man.

Witnesses have given conflicting accounts of what happened. 

Mr MacKenzie told the Newcastle Herald he had been “harassed” and “picked on” by another man who had grabbed him and “thrown me around like a rag doll”.

“I didn’t touch him, I didn’t do anything,” Mr MacKenzie told the Herald. 

“This bloke came over to me ranting and raving, and eventually he’s grabbed hold of me.

But other witnesses said Mr MacKenzie had reacted after being questioned by the man about his role in the 2012 election result which saw his father win an unbeatable majority on the council.

One person told the Herald Mr MacKenzie had charged at the man “like a bull”, and that the two ean became involved in a physical tussle. 

But Mr MacKenzie denied that.  

“He threw me around like a rag doll. If you’d seen the size of him there’s no way you’d be asking me if I charged at him.”

The Herald understands that Labor made a complaint to the Returning Officer because Mr MacKenzie remained at the polling booth after the incident.

It’s just the most recent allegation of a physical confrontation in Port Stephens political circles.

Police are also investigating an alleged assault against Labor’s candidate in the West Ward, Giacomo Arnott.

The Herald understands that on Thursday afternoon Mr Giacomo confronted a man who was placing unauthorised election material under car windscreen wipers in Raymond Terrace.

Mr Arnott photographed the man, who then tried to photograph him back.

It’s alleged that when Mr Arnott tried to cover his face with his shirt, the man attempted to grab him.

Asked about the incident by the Herald on Saturday, Mr Arnott said it was “unpleasant”.

“It’s very unpleasant to have to deal with this behaviour,” he said.