Upper Hunter by-election’s race to the top

THE by-election ballot paper will be topped and tailed with Independent candidates on May 22, with Kirsty O’Connell taking the number one spot and Kate Fraser the thirteenth.

Candidates gathered at the Electorate Manager’s office in Singleton this morning for the ballot paper draw, which determines what order they will be placed in on the voter’s sheet at the upcoming by-election.

Kirsty O’Connell said she was delighted to be given the first position. “Everyone likes a good barrier draw don’t they and I’ve got a great one, so I’ve just got to just keep running all the way down the straight,” she said.

With a late entry from Animal Justice Party candidate Michael Dello-Jacovo and Independents Bruce MacKenzie and Alan De Audney dropping from the list, thirteen candidates are now officially in the running for the Upper Hunter state seat. 

Order of candidates on the ballot paper:

1. Kirsty O’Connell, Independent;
2. Archie Lea, Independent;
3. Eva Pears, Liberal Democrat Party;
4. Dale McNamara, One Nation Party;
5. David Layzell, Nationals Party;
6. Tracy Norman, Independent;
7. Steve Reynolds, Independent;
8. Sue Abbott, Greens Party;
9. Jeff Drayton, Labor Party;
10. Calum Blair, Sustainable Australia Party;
11. Michael, Dello-Jacovo, Animal Justice Party;
12. Sue Gilroy, Shooters Farmers and Fishers Party;
13. Kate Fraser, Independent.