State election 2023: Clarence ballot drawn
The order in which candidates will appear on your voting paper for Clarence at this year’s state election has been revealed, while some have revealed their motive for running.
Grafton
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The Clarence electorate will soon decide its new member as sitting MP Chris Gulaptis prepares to retire following a dozen years in the role.
The ballot draw on Thursday morning revealed the order candidates will appear on voting slips on election day, March 25.
The ballot draw result is: (1) Mark Rayner – Legalise Cannabis Party, (2) Greg Clancy – The Greens, (3) Debrah Novak – Independent, (4) Richie Williamson – The Nationals, (5) Leon Ankersmit – Labor, (5) Brett Duroux – Indigenous Aboriginal Party, (6) Nicki Levi – Independent, (7) George Keller – Sustainable Australia Party – Stop overdevelopment / corruption
Mr Duroux of the Indigenous Aboriginal Party said he believed he was “making history”.
“The next generation should know that we can do it – that’s the whole enjoyment of it,” he said.
Mr Duroux said regional voices were not heard or acknowledged by politicians.
He was hopeful putting his hand up for election would be seen as a statement by minority groups.
“I want to be loud and proud,” Mr Duroux said.
Mr Duroux said he wanted to ensure everyone in the community is given a platform to speak.
“The truth is the main thing - not the bullsh-t they’re doing now. I’m over it,” he said.
Mr Duroux said he believed the current democratic political system was “like a dictatorship”.
Greens candidate Greg Clancy from Coutts Crossing encouraged residents to inform themselves and to spend time researching candidates.
“When doorknocking in the region, we found that no one knows (the) councillors,” he said.
Mr Clancy said he believed it could reflect a lack of political knowledge more generally.
“A lot of people don’t engage with politics, which is a problem,” he said.
Mr Clancy said voters appeared to not understand the system – or perhaps felt intimidated.
“It confuses people,” the former ecological consultant said.
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