Victorian election 2022: Ali Cupper, Andrew Katos top ballots

Topping the ballot pops can make all the difference in a tight contest. See who landed where in the official draw of the ballots.

In a tight race to the electoral finish line, it can make or break a political career.

So independent MP Ali Cupper, Liberal veteran Andrew Katos and even Premier Daniel Andrews have had luck fall their way today with the official draw of ballots.

The Victorian Electoral Commission synchronised the itemisation of candidates on ballot papers this afternoon, a random selection originally conducted lottery style but now decided by computer.

Election experts say securing number one on the ballot draw can add one to two per cent to the primary vote for the fortunate candidate.

It means little in seats such as Mulgrave, where Premier Daniel Andrews topped the ballot today but also commands a 12.7 per cent margin.

But for MPs with wafer-thin majorities, it can make all the difference.

Mildura MP Ali Cupper.

In the knife-edge Mildura race, independent MP Ali Cupper topped the ballot today with Liberal Party candidate Paul Matheson in fifth spot and National Party candidate Jade Benham in sixth position.

In another nailbiter — Ripon — Labor candidate Martha Howlett secured fourth spot to Liberal MP Louise Staley in sixth place.

Another tight race is anticipated in Bass, which covers the Westernport Bay region. National Party candidate Brett Tessari gained the top spot, with Labor MP Jordan Crugnale in fifth position and Liberal candidate Aaron Brown in seventh placing.

One of the most volatile electoral counts is expected in Morwell, following a spaghetti bolognaise electoral result at the 2018 election.

Martha Howlett Labor candidate for Ripon. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Today, Liberal candidate Dale Harriman topped the Morwell ballot with National Party candidate Martin Cameron in second and Labor candidate Kate Maxfield in eighth spot.

Former Shepparton mayor Kim O’Keefe topped the ballot in her race against independent MP Suzanna Sheed, who was placed eighth, just behind Liberal candidate Cheryl Hammer.

Over in South West Coast, former upper house MP James Purcell topped the ballot in a crowded field while in neighbouring Polwarth, Labor candidate Hutch Hussein has gained a slight edge over Liberal MP Richard Riordan – in fourth and seventh positions respectively.

Former Liberal MP Andrew Katos was one of the biggest winners in today’s ballot lottery, placed at number one in the race for South Barwon against Labor MP Darren Cheeseman.

In Gippsland East, Tim Bull – who holds the seat by a commanding double-digit lead, had his electoral chances strengthened further by topping the ballot as well.