Mallee voters have the most candidates to choose from of almost any electorate in Australia, with thirteen candidates on the ballot for the 2019 Federal Election.
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Liberal candidate Serge Petrovich has drawn number one spot, followed by Horsham independent Cecilia Moar and Mildura independent Jason Modica. Greens candidate Nicole Rowan is last.
The Australian Electoral Commission declared the candidates contesting the seat in Mildura on Wednesday. The order they will appear on the ballot is as follows:
- Serge Petrovich (LIB)
- Cecila Moar (IND)
- Jason Modica (IND)
- Rick Grosvenor (FACNP)
- Anne Webster (NAT)
- Chris Lahy (CEC)
- Phillip Mollison (RUAP)
- Carole Hart (LAB)
- Leigh Firman (SPA)
- Ray Kingston (IND)
- Dan Straub (SFF)
- Rick Millar (UAP)
- Nicole Rowan (GRE)
There were two last-minute candidates from right-wing parties at the ballot draw, with Fraser Anning's Conservative National Party putting up farmer Rick Grosvenor as a candidate for Mallee, and Rise Up Australia Party putting forward agricultural contractor Phillip Mollison.
The Mail-Times has reached out to Mr Mollison and Mr Grosvenor for comment.
Senate candidates for Victoria were also declared at midday today, with the electoral commission conducting a ballot draw in Melbourne. Earlier this month, Justice Party leader senator Derryn Hinch announced Horsham resident Simone O'Brien as his running mate in the senate.
Early voting for this election opens next Monday, May 6, with a booth at 72-74 Firebrace Street in Horsham CBD.
Swan Hill resident Allen Ridgeway announced his intentions to contest the seat as an independent last week, but did not appear on the ballot. The Mail-Times has reached out to Mr Ridgeway for comment.
Horhsam residents will have the chance to meet the candidates up close and personal on Friday May 9, at a forum being held by Horsham Rural City Council after 5.30pm.
Candidates forum cancelled
A candidates forum also scheduled for Monday in Warracknabeal has been cancelled.
Yarriambiack Shire Mayor Graeme Massey said candidates would instead be invited to the council's next public forum on May 8.
"It was too close to Hindmarsh Shire which had a candidates forum a few weeks ago, and some candidates who hail from the east of Mallee wanted a forum closer to Maryborough," Cr Massey said.
Cr Massey said other forums were being held at St. Arnaud and Horsham in coming weeks. The Mail-Times is working to confirm the dates and locations.
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