Terry Boylan, for the Liberal Party, and John Rohde, for Labor, will reach the end of an arduous and intense campaign on Saturday, January 17, punctuated by Christmas and New Year, when electors go to the polls to fill the seat vacated by the retirement of Rob Kerin.

Whatever might be the plans and ambitions of the candidates, this by-election is a great opportunity for the voters of Frome.

Rob Kerin’s margin of more than 11 percent was eroded radically in the 2006 election to just over three percent.

This is easily close enough for Frome voters to regard themselves as part of a marginal seat.

It could become closer, and marginal seats have a certain power.

Marginality powerfully attracts the attention of political parties.

In this case, the Liberals will be striving to restore the lead to something like its former status while Labor will see the situation as close enough to warrant thoughts of a real change.

For voters, no matter what their persuasion, this means that the attention of government and opposition can be captured, and both parties can be placed under popular pressure to view realistically – as distinct from offering vague promises that disappear after the election – the needs of the electorate.

What about the bumpy Main North Road, for example? What about water? What about emissions policy?

Frome is no longer an electorate where one candidate will romp in. It is an electorate that puts both major parties under pressure. The race is close enough for candidates to be asked for real solutions, promises they have to keep, policies they have to deliver on.

Frome voters can find themselves members of a marginal seat after January 17 and that means power. No matter which way you vote, remember that for a change you are wielding a weapon that can really count.