Ballot finalised

Sandra Gibbs from Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party tops an electoral ballot paper for the swinging lower seat of Ripon in the approaching state election.

She sits above eight other candidates for what some commentators are predicting will be one of the tightest contests of the election.

The Liberals’ Louise Staley, who holds the seat, is listed fifth on the ballot, just ahead of her predicted main competition, Labor’s Sarah De Santis.

Ripon includes the major centres of Ararat, Stawell and Maryborough.

The Nationals’ Emma Kealy, who holds the neighbouring seat of Lowan, has drawn top spot on the ballot for her electorate. Independent Barry Shea is second and Labor’s Maurice Billi third.

Lowan includes Horsham and Hamilton. The ballot paper draws –

Ripon

1. Sandra Gibbs, Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party. 2. Jeff Truscott. 3. Anna Hills, Animal Justice Party. 4. Peter Mulcahy, Labour DLP. 5. Louise Staley, Liberal. 6. Sarah De Santis, Australian Labor Party. 7. Peter Fava, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Victoria. 8. Serge Simic, Australian Greens. 9. Maria Mayer.

Lowan

1. Emma Kealy, The Nationals. 2. Barry Shea. 3. Maurice Billi, Australian Labor Party. 4. Trevor Grenfell, Victorian Socialists. 5. Richard Lane, Australian Greens.