Candidates were officially declared last Friday at the Australian Electoral Commission office in Manning Arcade, Taree, and a draw held to see what order they would appear on the ballot.

The candidates are (in the order they will appear on the ballot):

* Bob Smith, a retired builder from Harrington, for The Fishing Party

* Graeme Muldoon, a farmer from Dollys Flat, for the Citizens Electoral Council

* Stewart Scott-Irving, an education consultant from Old Bar, who stands as an independent

* Michael Patrick O’Donohue, a teacher from Warabrook, for the Democratic Labor Party

* Robert Oakeshott, the former State Member for Port Macquarie, from Port Macquarie, who stands as an independent

* Susie Russell, an environmental advocate from Elands, for the Greens

* Rob Drew, a business owner from Wauchope, for The National Party

* Barry Wright, a retired Taree resident, who stands as an independent

Officials from the Australian Electoral Commission conducted two random barrel draws; the first to allocate each candidate a number and then a second to determine the ballot paper order.

The draw was attended by five candidates (Bob Smith, Rob Drew, Stewart Scott-Irving, Barry Wright and Graeme Muldoon), supporters, media and employees of the Australian Electoral Commission.

Divisional Returning Officer for Lyne Vicki Holman said the secure printing of ballot papers would now begin and early voting would begin on August 18.

Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over and enrolled in the division of Lyne.

A total of 87,951 Australians are eligible to vote in the Lyne by-election. For more information on the by-election visit www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26.