SIX candidates will run for the seat of Lyne at the July 2 Federal election, with Labor drawing top spot on the ballot paper.
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Labor candidate Peter Alley claimed number one position at the draw, conducted at the Taree electoral office on Friday, June 10.
Greens candidate Julie Lyford drew second, followed (in order) by Christian Democrat Party candidate Elaine Carter, Independent Brad Christensen, The Nationals’ Dr David Gillespie and Independent Rodger Riach.
Candidate for the Senate, Tuncurry-based independent Bryan Lambert, drew fourth spot on the paper out of 18 independents.
He will attempt to secure one of 12 NSW Senate seats.
Former Member for Lyne, independent candidate Rob Oakeshott, caused a stir with rumours circulating that he would come out of political retirement to contest his former seat at the last minute.
However, Mr Oakeshott announced that he would instead contest the seat of Cowper, which now includes his hometown of Port Macquarie after a boundary redistribution by the Australian Electoral Commission.
With less than a month to go before the election, Lyne burst into action on Tuesday, June 14, with pre-polling opening around the electorate.
Candidates attempting to wrest the seat from current member Dr David Gillespie will look to capitilise on a 19.8 per cent swing towards Labor from the Nationals during the 2015 State election, although the federal seat is considered a Nationals stronghold since Dr Gillespie's election in 2013.
Great Lakes residents can cast their ballots early at 50 Wharf Street from Monday to Saturday until July 1.
Voting opens at 8.30am each morning.
Ahead of the election, Lyne voters will have ample opportunity to quiz the potential members with a number of “meet the candidates” events being held around the electorate.
2BOB radio hosted a candidate meeting yesterday at the Uniting Church, Taree, and will broadcast the presentation at 9pm today, Wednesday, June 29.
On election day, the polls will open from 8am-6pm.