The ballot draw for the Upper Hunter by-election resulted in Independent Kirsty O'Connell winning the coveted top spot.
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.
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The outcome of the the election, to be held on Saturday May 22, is expected to come down to preferences.
From Monday morning May 10 the NSW Electoral Commission will have four pre-poll centres operating at Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone and Gloucester as well as their head office in Sydney.
In a note on their website the Commission states: Pre-Polls are subject to change. Please check closer to Election Day for any changes.
Singleton:
Upper Hunter Election Managers' Office, 31 John Street.
Fully Wheelchair Accessible
10 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Muswellbrook:
Brook Street Plaza30 Brook Street.
Assisted Access
- No accessible toilet.
10 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Scone:
Upper Hunter Shire Council Administration Centre.
135 Liverpool St, Scone NSW 2337
Fully Wheelchair Accessible
10 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Gloucester
Mid Coast Council Gloucester Council Chamber, Railway Street.
Assisted Access
- No designated disabled parking spot.
10 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sydney:
NSW Electoral Commission231 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.
Assisted Access
- No designated disabled parking
10 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
Mon - Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Additional pre-polling centres will open at Dungog on May 15:
198 Dowling Street,
Assisted Access
- No accessible toilet
- No designated accessible parking spot
15 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Then on May 17 at Quirindi
Liverpool Plains Shire Council Office, 60 Station Street.
Assisted Access
- No designated disabled parking No accessible toilet
17 May 2021 - 21 May 2021
Mon - Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
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Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
