Independents rush to join race

THREE independents have drawn the top spots on a ballot paper of eight candidates in the Gippsland South by-election.

Several independents nominated in the days and hours before the deadline.

The ballot draw, which took place at the electoral office in Church Street, Leongatha, on Friday, decides the order in which candidates appear on the voting form during the by-election on March 14.

Liberals candidate Scott Rossetti of Sale drew last place, while Australian Greens candidate Andrea Millsom of Loch drew second last place.

Independent Warren Sanders of Sale will have his name in first place, while independent Viv Pepper of Korumburra will appear second and independent Deb Meester third.

Danny O’Brien of Sale will appear in fourth place, representing The Nationals.

Fifth is independent Gerard J Donohue of Korumburra, and Liberal Democrat Jim McDonald of Thorpdale will appear sixth.

Labor did not enter a candidate.

The ballot draw is a single random draw conducted by computer. The draw can only be conducted once.

The software has been used in all Victorian elections since 1999.

The order in which the candidates appear on paper can have a small affect on the election result because some voters lodge a “donkey vote”.

A donkey vote occurs when a voter simply numbers the candidates in the order in which they appear, from top to bottom or bottom to top, without any logic.

It is a valid vote.

Mr Rossetti did not express disappointment at drawing last position on the ballot paper.

“It makes a small difference but I think most people are still going to choose based on the candidate,” he said.

He said he was pleased to see a large number of candidates nominating.

“It gives people a real choice,” Mr Rossetti said.

Australian Greens candidate Ms Millsom went door to door in Korumburra over the weekend, canvassing the issues that voters want raised.

She said she will be campaigning on the issues of coal seam gas (CSG) mining, our “food future” and South Gippsland controlling own energy through solar power.

“This by-election is the chance for South Gippslanders to make their voice heard, all the way to the corridors of power in Spring Street,” Ms Millsom said.

“Voters have already told me that they felt taken for granted by The Nationals.

“This was evident in Korumburra as well. Locals are distressed their local pool had been allowed to run down under The Nationals.

“These are community facilities that local people have raised the money to build.”

Janet Rice, Australian Greens Senator for Victoria, joined Ms Millson to talk with locals about transport infrastructure, food production, renewable energy and the CSG on Saturday, February 28 around the electorate.

Mr Pepper was mildly pleased with receiving third place in the draw.

He said he would stand as an independent.

“I believe in absolute independence and being truly representative of the electorate,” he said.

“In essence, I’m just totally over the two party system.

“I’ve had a gutful. I don’t believe it’s representative and I don’t believe it’s fair.”

Mr Donohue, another independent candidate, took a challenge to the Supreme Court on Thursday asking to see the writ of election.

A writ is issued to activate an election. However, he said he has not seen such a writ.

“If the writ’s not right, neither is the election,” he said.

Early voting commenced Monday and will be available to electors unable to vote on election day, Saturday, March 14.

Early voting takes place at 1 Church Street, Leongatha and 348 Raymond Street, Sale.

Early voting centres will open between 8.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, until Friday, March 13. Both venues will be closed on Labour Day (Monday, March 9) but will have extended opening hours on Saturday, March 7 (9am to 2pm) and Thursday, March 12 (8.30am to 8pm).

Those unable to vote early or on election day can apply for a postal vote. Postal vote applications are available online at vec.vic.gov.au; at any post office within Gippsland South district; at the election office: 1 Church Street, Leongatha; at the Warragul and Sale Australian Electoral Commission offices; or by calling 131 832.

Applications for postal votes must be received by 6pm, Thursday, March 12 and completed ballot papers must be in the mail or handed to a voting centre manager before 6pm on election day, Saturday, March 14.

Voting in this by-election is compulsory for all electors enrolled in Gippsland South district.

By-election candidates: from left, independent Gerard J. Donohue, The Nationals’ Danny O’Brien, independent Viv Pepper, Australian Greens’ Andrea Millsom and Liberals’ Scott Rossetti, six of the eight candidates standing in the Gippsland South by-election.

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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Mar 3 2015. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry