Voters will no longer have run the gauntlet of giant election posters when they go to the polls in two weeks.
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New Victorian Electoral Commission rules state each candidate may only have two posters, limited to 90x60cm in size, within 100 metres of the booths.
Ovens Valley election manager Anne Williams said the changes would allow people free access to voting centres.
“It’s to clarify the issue of people wallpapering fencing (with wraps featuring candidates) and getting up earlier and earlier to beat the person next door,” she said.
Friday’s ballot draw in Wangaratta resulted in independent candidate from Ovens, Ray Dyer, in the number 1 spot.
He will be followed on the ballot paper by Julian Fidge, Tim McCurdy, Vicki Berry, Tammy Atkins and finally Kate Doyle in last.
Mr Dyer, who is running in his second state election, said he was very happy with the result.
“The reason I run is that I’m sick and tired of what’s going on with the government,” he said.
“They’re supposed to be there for us, to help us, and they’re not.”
Labor and Greens candidates Ms Doyle and Ms Berry were the only two election hopefuls not at Friday’s ballot draw.
Australian Country Party candidate Dr Fidge said Ms Doyle’s absence showed that “obviously Labor’s running dead” and wanted an independent to win Ovens Valley.
But he said said as a former Labor member who valued workers and union rights, he would be a pair of “safe hands” as an alternative.
Early voting on Ovens Valley will be open from 9am Monday at early voting centres at 14-24 Parfitt Road in Wangaratta, 106 Belmore Street in Yarrawonga and 104 Gavan Street in Bright.
