The ballot draw for the Upper Hunter by-election resulted in Independent Kirsty O'Connell winning the coveted top spot.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a field of 13 candidates Mrs O'Connell was pleased to be drawn first from the ballot box.
She was followed by: Archie Lea (Independent), Eva Pears (Liberal Democratic Party), Dale McNamara (Pauline Hanson One Nation), Dave Layzell (The Nationals), Tracy Norman (Independent), Steve Reynolds (Independent), Sue Abbott (The Greens), Jeff Drayton (Labor), Callum Blair ( Sustainable Australia Party), Michael Dello-Jacovo (Animal Justice Party), Sue Gilroy (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers) and Kate Fraser (Independent).
Pre-poll opens on Monday and with how-to-vote cards now being printed the question many want to know is where are the preferences going, given the marginal status of the electorate, and the fact the former sitting member Michael Johnsen resigned following revelations of him sending lewd text messages during Parliamentary sittings.
Mrs O'Connell and Tracy Norman have already declared they are preferencing each other.
The outcome of the the election, to be held on Saturday May 22, is expected to come down to preferences.