Animal Justice Party candidate draws top ballot spot for second election
Mike Fuery drew top ballot spot in Benambra for the second straight election, winning the donkey vote advantage.
The retired paramedic drew top spot on Monday in the ballot draw run by the Victorian Electoral Commission in Wodonga. The top ballot position gives him the so-called donkey vote: electors who mark number one next to the top candidate without thinking.
A record nine candidates will contest Benambra at the 2026 election, one more than in 2022. Mike Fuery joked that it seems "entirely appropriate" his party gets the donkey vote.
"Donkeys are getting a very good rap as guardian animals for livestock," Fuery said. His main opponent, Liberal Steve Martin, is the favourite to hold the seat.
- 9
- Total candidates
- $1.25
- Favourite odds
- Wodonga
- Draw location
- November 9
- Draw date
Why it mattersThe donkey vote can swing close elections; Fuery's top position gives his party an advantage despite having minimal chance of winning.
AustraliaBenambra voters face a record-crowded ballot in 2026, but the top position may subtly shift first-preference votes toward the Animal Justice Party.
