Council elections to be held by post this year

COUNCIL elections in the Surf Coast Shire, City of Greater Geelong and Borough of Queenscliffe will be held by post this year.

Last week, the state government confirmed that the local government elections scheduled for October would still go ahead.

Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately from the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) said the coming elections would support continuity of democratic representation for Victorian communities.

“The VEC will continue to monitor and implement advice issued by the Chief Health Officer of Victoria to ensure the elections are conducted with minimal risk to the health and safety of Victorians.”

Ballot packs will be mailed to voters and will include voting instructions, candidate information, a ballot paper, and a reply-paid envelope. Postal voting is completely secret.

“We will continue to liaise with Australia Post, given their critical role in the elections,” Mr Gately said.

Voters must confirm they are enrolled on either the state electoral roll or their council roll before 4pm on August 28.

Ballot packs will be distributed to voters on September 25, and voting closes at 6pm on October 23.

The VEC will take additional measures to protect the health and wellbeing of staff, candidates and the public. This includes provisions to maintain physical distancing requirements and hygiene standards at all election office and count locations.It is anticipated the adjustments will extend the time period for finalising results by one week, with counting and declaration to take place between October 25 and November 6.

The VEC also reminds the community that voting is compulsory for voters who are on the state roll, and state-enrolled voters who don’t vote may be fined.