Four of the seven candidates vying to fill the federal seat vacated by John Cobb were present for yesterday’s ballot draw.

The Nationals’ Andrew Gee, Country Labor candidate Jess Jennings, Ms Sky and Nick Xenophon Team candidate Rod Bloomfield crammed into the Orange office of the Australian Electoral Commission.

There was no sign of independent Anthony Craig, Christian Democratic Party candidate Bernie Gesling or the Liberal Democratic Party’s Glen Davis.

In a quirk of the draw, those present will bookend the absentees on the ballot paper.

Former Member for Orange Mr Gee’s name will appear second on the ballot after Ms Sky.

They’ll be followed by Mr Davis, Mr Gesling, Mr Craig, Mr Boomfield and, in his words, “lucky last” Dr Jennings.

The four candidates present were unanimous in their opinion that ballot positions will be of little consequence come the July 2 poll.

“I think we all know there’s only a very small number of people who do donkey votes,” Ms Sky said.

“In an electorate like Calare, strong policies will matter much more than where your name appears on a piece of paper.”

Mr Gee said the official nature of the proceedings was both necessary and a cause for celebration.

“It’s open and fair and that’s something we get to do in Australia that not all other countries enjoy,” he said.

“It’s more about formalising the field and firing the starting gun on the campaign.”

Dr Jennings was unconcerned to find himself in the seventh slot.

“I’m sure those people looking for Jess Jennings and Labor will have no trouble glancing over six other names,” he said.