One to nine, get in line
LAST week the candidates for the Parkes electorate had their ballot numbers drawn for their placement on the voting form.
Ranging from numbers one to nine, the candidates had no control over the positioning on the form.
To be completely random and fair, the candidates were matched with a number from the ballot box, then the numbers were drawn to determine their placement.
Each number was written on a ball placed in the ballot draw hand selected by AEC staff member, Dawn Gregory who had a blindfold on and given to AEC staff member, Alison Benton to announce.
Once the initial process was done and the candidates received their numbers, the next procedure was to arrange the order on the voting form.
This was done using the same procedure.
There were a few close calls, including an announcement of an incorrect number and a dropped ball, however, everything was formally checked and finalised to guarantee fairness among all candidates.
Announced as second on the ballot paper, candidate for the Liberal Democrats, Peter Rothwell
said he is pleased with how the process went.
“It finally feels real now, my name is there,” Peter shared – he has organised a big campaign and has organised to visit many towns in the Parkes electorate.
“I hope to spend time on the streets and visiting businesses,” he added, saying it is a busy period, but he’ll try to maintain his farm and plans to plant winter crops.
Announced as fifth on the ballot paper, candidate for United Australia Party, Petrus Van Der Steen said he is thankful to be on the paper.
He confirmed to Dubbo Photo News that he is currently travelling throughout the Parkes electorate through to Broken Hill.
“I think this is a policy-driven election,” he shared, saying that he stands for the party’s policies and believes they will achieve Australian goals and values.
Being the largest electorate in NSW, a lot of candidates were unable to attend due to previous commitments in other regions.
Matt Parmeter represented candidate for Greens, Trish Frail, due to her commitments in Brewarrina.
“It is good to see democracy in action,” he continued saying he wants everyone to vote and believes a lot of people are attracted to their policies.
Current member for the Parkes electorate, Mark Coulton was unable to attend the ballot draw due to testing positive to Covid.