The vacant seat on council was created with the unexpected death of Cr Peter Connell last month.
His replacement on council will be decided on the distribution of preferences from the December local government elections, at which both Mr Sampson and Ms Whitham were unsuccessful.
Ms Whitham was the first eliminated from the initial race, polling 47 first preference votes.
Mr Sampson was eliminated with 138 first preference votes.
The quota for election was 456 votes.
The countback by-election will be conducted on May 17, with preferences from those who voted for Cr Connell distributed first.
Mr Sampson is a Deniliquin business owner, and said he’s chosen to be involved in the by-election to ensure there is some “youth” on council.
“My interest is in getting younger people on board with council.
“A bit of youth and longer term vision would be beneficial.”
The 35 year-old said his reasons for nominating in December also still stand, with a greater voice for the surrounding villages one of his primary goals.
Having grown up in the Mayrung, Conargo and Blighty areas, Mr Sampson said the outlying communities ‘‘hold significance for me’’.
Along those lines, Mr Sampson said one of his platforms for standing is improvement of rural roads.
‘‘We need to keep our smaller local roads up to scratch, and not just be singularly focussed on the Deniliquin township,’’ he said.
‘‘Being an electrician, I would also like to see more of a priority on using local tradies and suppliers.
‘‘I’d like to work on a policy that looks at using locals first, where possible and is mutually beneficial to council and the community.
Ms Whitham is an artist and mental health and disability advocate, and says she believes she can do some good on council.
“I love Deniliquin and I want to see it thrive,” she said.
“I believe I can help the community and support all sectors.”
Ms Whitham’s platform in December was a focus on improving accessibility, local business, and arts and culture, along with continuing council’s current projects.
‘‘What it (council) has done in the last few years is incredible with the (Waring) gardens and the main part of town. I wouldn’t mind seeing some more things like that in north Deni where I live,“ she siad.
As a mental health and disability advocate, Mrs Whitham said part of continuing the beautification of the town under her leadership would include better access for disabled people on roads, footpaths and at parks.
‘‘Sometimes it’s hard to navigate amenities around the town,’’ she explained.
‘‘I guess awareness is also a focus for me — not many people know what you can and can’t do being disabled.’’