Safe Liberal seat of Finniss is under threat from independent as postal votes roll in

Another independent is within striking distance of claiming a safe regional seat once thought impenetrable – the postal votes will all add up.

A Goolwa occupational therapist is steadily moving closer towards claiming the once safe Liberal seat of Finniss on Fleurieu Peninsula.

Independent candidate Louise Nicholson, 36, is relying on the counting of an estimated 10,000 postal and pre-poll votes – the largest in the state – to beat former Liberal primary industry and regional development minister David Basham.

While Ms Nicholson finished third on first preference voting, victory will be certain if she can overtake Labor opponent Amy Hueppauff and take second spot, which will deliver her Labor’s two-candidate preferred votes.

No counting took place on Wednesday while thousands of envelopes sent by truck to Victor Harbor were sorted by Electoral Commission staff.

Ms Nicholson, who has a total of 6593 votes compared with Mr Basham’s 5790, said on Wednesday she was optimistic about winning the seat.

“I’ve got everything crossed,” she said.

“They have to do the pre-poll votes now, which are huge. It can still unravel but I’m hoping it won’t.

“Everyone I have spoken to me has told me that they wanted an alternative to the current sitting member.”