Gerrit Hendrik Schorel-Hlavka.
Of the 16 candidates in the Melbourne state byelection, some are more experienced campaigners than others.
Independent candidate Gerrit Hendrik Schorel-Hlavka, for example, estimates he has run in 20 elections — at local, state and federal level — since 1996.
The self-described professional activist and constitutionalist campaigned in the recent Niddrie byelection, picking up 3.42 per cent of the vote and losing his $350 registration deposit.
He hopes to do better in Melbourne, last week registering 11 unique how-to-vote cards with the Victorian Electoral Commission.
In a week where preferences caused a flutter, Mr Schorel-Hlavka’s views were clear.
“I give no preferences to anyone, if you align yourself to anyone else you are no longer independent,” he said.