| Monday, August 20, 2012 6:00 AM

The pick and mix that is the member's ballot is providing some interesting dilemmas for those in the corridors of power.

Recent rule changes have led to a record number of Bills in the ballot. Previously parties were restricted and only allowed a certain number - now it's essentially a free-for-all.

The draw itself has turned into something of a show, with MPs, political staffers and media cramming into Parliament's tiny tables office to watch the Bills being pulled out of a rusty tin can. It really is like pulling a number out of a hat.

After a long delay in any new Bills being drawn due to Labour's filibustering of the Voluntary Student Membership Bill last year, we're now seeing a flurry of ballot days as first readings either fail or go to select committee.

The ballot is the only way opposition MPs and Government backbenchers get to make their mark on the country in terms of introducing legislation.

Having their Bill drawn can lead to spectacular wins for some MPs - the Monday-ising Bill put in by Labour's David Clark has the support to go all the way through and is putting the Government in a tight spot with its opposition to it.

But the ballot can also put opposition parties in a difficult position, and with Labour already struggling in the polls and internally, it's the last thing it needs.

The party is already copping it for being seen as more about social engineering than good economic management, a reputation Helen Clark left Labour with. Gay marriage is already on the agenda.

And Maryan Street's bill to legalise voluntary euthanasia hasn't even been drawn and is already creating controversy and debate around parliament and in the media. National's Maggie Barry is already preparing to fight the proposal tooth and nail, setting up a cross party group on palliative care. It'll be a long fight, and if the Bill is drawn, not one that Labour necessarily needs.

Another hurdle for Labour is another Bill - Green MP Catherine Delahunty's proposal to hand out Working for Families tax credits to beneficiaries and students. Labour set the scheme up to help workers.

This was Labour's policy at the last election, but when David Shearer took over, it was one of the first to be consigned to the dustbin. The Bill will fail to get the support it needs to pass, and for that reason Mr Shearer's taking the diplomatic approach, saying the party will vote for it at first reading. If it doesn't vote for it, it looks like a party prepared to leave people in poverty. But voting for it also adds to its reputation of being financially reckless, and National will take great glee in rubbing that in.