Inside ballot paper draw that could help seal the fate of the Aston by-election

The candidates in an upcoming by-election have found out who will get a major boost to their campaign — and who will miss out.

The ballot draw for the Aston by-election has provided a major boost to Liberal candidate Roshena Campbell – and fringe party candidate Owen Miller.

The Australian Electoral Commission’s draw to determine the order candidates’ names will appear on ballot papers for voting in the April 1 by-election took place about 12pm on Friday.

The most coveted spot for ballot papers for the House of Representatives is number one because it’s the first name voters see.

Aston Liberal candidate Roshena Campbell has secured second place on the ballot for the April 1 by-election. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

This was awarded to Fusion Party candidate Owen Miller.

Liberal party candidate Roshena Campbell secured the second spot on the ballot, followed by Greens candidate Angelica Di Camillo, Labor’s Mary Doyle and “libertarian independent” Maya Tesa.

The Aston by-election was triggered by the sudden resignation of long-time sitting MP and former Liberal cabinet minister Alan Tudge last month.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched Mary Doyle’s campaign for Aston. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Ascui

The Liberals hold Aston on a narrow margin of just 2.8 per cent but it had been a safe seat before last year’s federal election, when Ms Doyle ran against Mr Tudge and whittled the margin down from 10.1 per cent.

Ms Doyle is contesting the seat again against Ms Campbell, a barrister, Melbourne city councillor and columnist, who was selected as the Liberal candidate last month.