News

Farrer heads to polls this weekend

By Lua Ikenasio

May 5, 2026

Farrer residents will cast their ballots this weekend. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW, Caleb Schroeder

The resignation of long-time Farrer MP Sussan Ley has sparked a crowded race, with 12 candidates vying for the seat ahead of this weekend’s by-election.

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A mix of independent and party-backed contenders have entered the race in hopes of succeeding Ms Ley, who held the electorate for 25 years.

The 12 candidates, in ballot order, are:

Butkowski, Raissa, Liberal
Milthorpe, Michelle, Independent
Bonnefin, Jamie, Gerard Rennick’s People First
Robertson, Brad, The Nationals
Pearson, Aimee Lee, Legalise Cannabis
Hendrie, Richard August, The Greens
Woodward, Roger, Independent
Farley, David, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Scriven, Rebecca, Family First
Ellis, Lucas James, Sustainable Australia
Pappin, Gary Jean, Independent
Sinclair, Peter, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers

Ahead of the by-election on Saturday, May 9, 11 early voting centres have opened across the electorate.

Early voting will close on Friday, May 8.

Voters registered as general postal voters will automatically receive a postal vote pack and do not need to reapply.

Postal vote certificates and ballot papers must be completed on or before election day and received by the AEC no later than 13 days after the election.

Although applications for a postal vote close at 6pm on Wednesday, May 6, voters are encouraged to consider alternative arrangements in case voting packs do not arrive in time.

On election day, voters can cast their ballots at any polling place within the Farrer electorate.

To find your nearest polling place, visit aec.gov.au/farrer/voting.htm