Names on the Otago Regional Council's election papers will be randomly selected for the next local government election.
It took two votes for the council to make the decision to change from the traditional alphabetical order based on candidates' surnames and to discard the other option, of pseudo-random order, where names would be drawn out of a hat and every paper printed in that order.
Chairman Stephen Woodhead said at a meeting yesterday he had been used to appearing on the bottom of any list.
''It's not something I'm too hung up on. I see no reason not to go completely random.''
Michael Deaker suggested the council make the change. However, the council first had to vote on the recommendation to remain with alphabetical order.
After failing to discern councillors' wishes verbally, Mr Woodhead asked for a show of hands. The recommendation was lost four to six.
When Cr Deaker's motion was put, it was carried on a verbal agreement.
