In Raymond Terrace on the morning of Thursday, November 4 the ballot to determine the order in which candidates will appear on voting forms in the December 4 local government election was determined.

Residents will decide between Labor's Leah Anderson and independent incumbent Ryan Palmer for mayor. Both are east ward candidates.

Ms Anderson will appear in the number one position on the voting card, in front of Mr Palmer who is seeking to be elected for a second term.

The positioning was determined through a random draw by the Port Stephens election manager at the returning office in William Street.

Mr Palmer, Labor west ward candidate Giacomo Arnott, Liberal east ward candidate Matthew Bailey and independent west ward candidate Christopher Baguley attended the ballot draw.

ALSO READ: How to cast your vote in a local government election

Mr Baguley said he put his name forth as a candidate for west ward, the Port's largest ward that covers from Fern Bay to Campvale, Raymond Terrace, Seaham and Glen Oak, to be a "voice for the community".

"I love my community. I want to help make change and be a voice for the people," the father of two from Raymond Terrace said. "I am a parent who wants to drive youth engagement and get some events here in west ward."

Mr Bailey, a father of two from Corlette, has been involved in politics for 15 years and has supported wife and current councillor Jaimie Abbott in her previous election campaigns.

But this is the first time he has nominated to run for councillor in a local government election.

"Everyone deserves a fair go and I am intent on listening to what people want and acting on that," Mr Bailey, the Liberal Party candidate for east ward, said.

"Even the little things, I think, are important to get right. Any concerns residents have, I will listen and go into bat for them."

Mr Bailey said further infrastructure growth, particular parks, reserves and sporting field, and environment would be two key areas of focus should he be elected in December.

Meanwhile, Port Stephens deputy mayor and current west ward councillor Paul Le Mottee had his application for council re-election rejected due to a clerical error.

Mr Le Mottee said he was seeking legal advice from a barrister with a view to taking the NSW Electoral Commission to court over the rejection of his nomination.

Pre-polling (voting before election day on Saturday, December 4) will open on November 22 and close December 3.

There are two places in Port Stephens where residents can vote in person early: at the returning office at 42 William Street, Raymond Terrace and All Saints Anglican Church, Nelson Bay. Both are open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm.

Voting will be available at select public schools and community halls around Port Stephens on Saturday, December 4 between 8am and 6pm.

Results in all NSW local government elections will be delivered progressively between December 21-23.

The ballot for the Port's three wards were also drawn on Thursday, November 4.

The order in which the candidates will appear on the ballot:

Grouped candidates for Central Ward

Ungrouped candidates for Central Ward

Grouped candidates for West Ward

Ungrouped candidates for West Ward

Grouped candidates for East Ward

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