A MAJORITY of Mount Gambier City Council candidates turned out to watch the ballot draw at the civic centre yesterday afternoon, with the notable exception of mayoral candidate Mark Jones.
Mr Jones threw his hat in the ring to contest the civic leader position only this week.
For three mayoral hopefuls and the 19 candidates contesting eight elected member positions, the draw determined where their names would appear on ballot papers in October.
Business leader Lynette Martin was drawn for the coveted number one spot on the mayoral ballot, while Perri-Anne Rasmussen was drawn first among 19 nominees for the councillor ballot.
Ms Martin said she doubted if the result would have a tangible impact when ratepayers receive ballot papers next month.
“I think it really is just the luck of the draw,” Ms Martin told The Border Watch yesterday.
“I know some people think it is good to be in the number one spot, but what I would like to say is that I hope everyone exercises their right to vote.
“I hope that regardless of what position nominees are placed on the ballot paper, voters think very carefully about who they want to represent them.”
Of the seven incumbent councillors standing for reelection, all but Cr Steve Perryman attended the ballot draw yesterday.
Former councillors Allen Smith and Paul Jenner will seek another term on council, while a number of candidates will contest the eight elected member positions for the first time.
Postal voting papers will be distributed to ratepayers in late October.
Following a two-month campaign period, voting will close at 5pm on Friday, November 9, with the count to take place on Saturday, November 10.
