On May 6, Tasmanians in Murchison, Launceston and Rumney will vote for their next Legislative Council member to represent them for the next six years.

This year, a number of well-known Tasmanians have put up their hands as candidates, making for an interesting election race. 

The Launceston seat, currently held by independent MLC Rosemary Armitage is set to be hotly contested. 

The incumbent will be vying for the selection against high-profile community members Labor candidate Brian Roe, independent candidate Neroli Ellis, and Greens candidate Emma Anglesey.

In the seat of Murchison, incumbent independent MLC Ruth Forrest will be contested by independent candidate and Circular Head Mayor, Daryl Quilliam.

Ms Armitage said if reelected, she would fight for the Launceston General Hospital, education, and employment opportunities. 

“I am of the people and for the people,” she said.

“I advocate continually to ensure the needs of the more vulnerable in our community is front of mind for the government as the cost of living is difficult for many.” 

Political analyst Kevin Bonham said he would be surprised if the Liberal party announced a candidate in Launceston. 

“There’s been a pattern that Legislative Councillors tend to get reelected and reelected,” Dr Bonham said.

“People should take an interest – the Upper House is fairly finely balanced and is going to have an impact on how the government goes in its final year in office before the election. 

“Local mayors are always strong contenders in these elections … it’s going to be interesting to see how Ruth Forrest goes in terms of keeping her profile up in the electorate.” 

Dr Bonham said that of the three seats, the one he thought was in most danger was independent MLC Tony Mulder in Rumney.