It is considered a safe Labor territory after a landslide swing back to the party at the October byelection.

The byelection was held after sitting Liberal MP Andrew Cornwell resigned from Parliament after ICAC heard he accepted banned developer donations in the lead up to the 2011 election.

Mr Cornwell had a convincing win in 2011, drawing 19,085 votes compared to runner-up Labor candidate Matthew Morris on 12,590 votes.

However, Lake Macquarie mayor Jodie Harrison won the key seat back for the Labor Party, which it had retained up until 2011, with a 20.4 per cent swing.

Mrs Harrison attracted 19,429 votes to Jane Oakley's 5613.

Ms Oakley, a member of The Greens, will recontest in 2015.

Alongside Mrs Harrison and Ms Oakley, five other candidates - Jason Pauling (Liberal), Brian Tucker (Christian Democratic Party), Tania Morvillo (The No Land Tax party) and independents Luke Arms and Arjay Martin.

The Charlestown electorate stretches from Adamstown and Kahibah in the north to Eleebana and Tingira Heights in the south. The electorate gained Redhead in 2013 after a boundary redistribution.

Luke Arms, Independent

I'll fight for TAFE funding to be restored. Without affordable vocational training, our young people won't be able to get jobs and youth unemployment will continue to climb. To help create jobs, I'll work towards funding new projects in renewable energy, manufacturing and technology via royalties from our declining coal industry before it's too late to extract a lasting return from our mines. I'll provide tireless, strategic, non-partisan representation for my constituents and the issues they bring to my attention each day. No party lines, no excuses. Just honest, transparent, truly independent advocacy for the people of Charlestown.

Jodie Harrison, Labor

Charlestown needs a government focused on what people need. Jobs will be a priority for me as your Member of Parliament. The NSW Liberals have sent contracts overseas and moved call centre jobs off shore. We need a government that looks after local jobs. Labor has committed to prioritising local businesses in government contracts. Education and training are vital for people to get good jobs. The Liberal government's cuts to TAFE have seen over 1000 teachers sacked, fees skyrocket and courses axed. Labor will return fees to 2014 levels and ensure that TAFE is properly funded to make people job ready.

Arjay Martin, Independent

Imagine a representative in Parliament who is consistent, competent, empathetic, intelligent, and has integrity. Imagine one who's government experienced, reasonable, balanced, takes you seriously, and never ever gives up on you or your family. Imagine having someone you can trust. With your help and support it can happen; with me, Arjay Martin, as your MP. I will deliver. The Liberals have overwhelmingly won this election according to polls. You will still get all of the "goodies" that the Liberal government promised, no matter who wins in Charlestown. The local office will have the same resources too.

Jane Oakley, The Greens

For far too long both of the old parties have taken you for granted. Too many dodgy backroom deals, too many brown paper bags and not enough consultation with the people whom they are meant to represent. I'm standing for the Greens in Charlestown because you deserve a choice. A choice between accountability or the corruption of the old parties. A choice between a vision for our electorate or endless broken promises. A choice for politics that represent you, not their corporate backers. This election, don't let your vote be taken for granted. Vote 1 Jane Oakley for The Greens.

Jason Pauling, Liberal

I have demonstrated my tenacity in defending local residents and fighting for policy change in my role in Lake Macquarie City Council. If elected I will ensure that the Charlestown electorate receives its fair share of investment and attention from the state government. I will ensure projects such as Jesmond Link of the Inner City Bypass, upgrades to Hillsborough Road, Kahibah Road and Northcott Drive are delivered as well as the $20 million upgrade to Hunter Sports High. I will fight relentlessly for a signature tourism event such as the Red Bull Air Race and establishment of a commuter cycleway network.

Brian Tucker, Christian Democratic Party

I am committed to supporting many aspects of the community from education to the environment, from health to housing and from jobs to transport. I will endeavour to build the faith of Australians in the leadership of our nation and one way that I intend to achieve that is by being a service to my community and to the people of the Charlestown electorate, so that we can stand together for honesty and dignity to restore this back into public policy and society. I am committed this election to protecting and enhancing our Aussie way of life.

Tania Morvillo, No Land Tax

The Star contacted Tania Morvillo, but she failed to provide a submission by the deadline.