Interest in the upcoming council election in Muswellbrook has drawn one of the highest levels in a long time.
A total of 26 locals have come forward to seek one of 12 places on Muswellbrook Shire Council.
There are three Groups of six candidates led by Jeff Drayton, De-Anne Douglas and Max Morris.
The top spot on the ballot paper has been drawn by existing Councillor Amanda Barry.
In Singleton there is 12 candidates standing for 9 councillor positions with Malinda McLachlan drawing the top spot on the ballot paper.
Mayor Sue Moore has drawn the first place on the paper for the Mayoral vote followed by Peree Watson then Danny Thompson.
An independent candidate has taken out the top spot in the ballot draw from the upcoming Council election in the Upper Hunter Shire.
Chris Richards from Blandford came up trumps in the draw conducted yesterday afternoon by Elections NSW in Muswellbrook.
Current Mayor Maurice Collison has drawn seventh spot on the ballot paper.
There is a total of 11 candidates for the nine positions on offer in the September 14 poll.