Election campaign: The next stage
The Alpine Shire election campaign has entered its next stage, which is about 12 days of limbo before the ballot packs are mailed out.
Candidates had until 4pm this afternoon to submit preference cards if they wished to do so. There was a lot of horse trading during the week, and I know it was a stressful period for most of us.
For those who follow Australian football it was like the AFL trade week.
I didn’t engage in much of this activity. My top three preferences were effectively decided weeks ago. I made one offer, which was rejected, and I received one statement of intent, which I reciprocated. Others were much more complex.
It’s a difficult time, because you have to number the ballot paper from 1-14. As only seven councillors will be elected, you stand to offend anyone you place below number seven.
I honestly couldn’t distinguish between my preferred choices at a certain point in the process, so I donkeyed the bottom half.
I wouldn’t worry about offending people with the preferred ballot placements Michael. I’ve got plenty of 14s but I just take it as a compliment. It just shows that they must be worried about me!
I put two existing councillors at 13 & 14 , with ease and pleasure.
I agree that all the jostling for position is hard to handle. As a democratic process it presents a strong argument for “first past the post” voting.