THE field is set and the electoral rolls are closed as the candidates face the final stretch to the Nepean by-election polling day on 2 May.
After two late entries to the field, there are eight candidates contesting the poll. They are: Peter Angelico (Libertarian), Sianan Healy (The Greens), Darren Hercus (One Nation), Tracee Hutchinson (Independents of Mornington Peninsula endorsed candidate), Anthony Marsh (Liberal Party), Reade Smith (Sustainable Australia Party), Renee Thompson (Legalise Cannabis), and Milton Wilde (End Mass Immigration – Reform AU).
The VEC has reported that 50,910 people are enrolled to vote at the 2 May poll; an increase of 1900 voters since the 2022 state election.
Early voting opens from Wednesday 22 April until Friday 1 May at Rosebud Sea Scouts Hall, Dromana Hub Shopping Centre, and Blairgowrie Community Hall.
Joining the contest last week, Reade Smith is the second candidate that has experience as mayor of Mornington Peninsula Shire, having served in council between 2000 and 2012, and having a stint as mayor in 2005.
Smith’s press release describes him as “a dedicated community advocate that is passionate about creating an environmentally sustainable, socially just and economically healthy society.”
Making up the eight is Renee Thompson. The Legalise Cannabis Victoria website states that “Renee’s vision is to help create communities that are safer, more welcoming, open-minded, and accessible – especially for those who have been historically underrepresented, particularly women”.
First published in the Mornington News – 14 April 2026
