Candidate nominations open for state election

THE coming Victorian election has officially started, with the new boundaries in effect and candidates now able to formally throw their hats in the ring.

Nominations opened on Wednesday this week and will close at noon on Thursday, November 10 for candidates endorsed by a registered political party, and at noon on November 11 for independent candidates.

Registered political parties must nominate their endorsed candidates directly with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).

To stand as an independent, candidates must lodge their nomination form and deposit in person at an election office in the district or region they are nominating in.

Candidates for state elections must be correctly enrolled in Victoria, but do not need to live in the district or region in which they are nominating.

You cannot nominate to be a candidate if you:

Are not enrolled

Are a judge of a court of Victoria

Have been convicted or found guilty of an indictable offence with a prison term of five years or more, in a court in Victoria, Australia or any other part of the British Commonwealth

Are an undischarged bankrupt, or

Are a member of either House of the Commonwealth Parliament.

You can stand for election, but cannot take office without resigning first if you are:

A local government councillor

A Victorian public service employee, or

An Australian public service employee.

Candidates should consult their organisation’s policies about standing for election and campaigning while in their role. For example, some organisations may require candidates to take leave of absence from their position.

Those with dual citizenship are eligible to nominate for a state election.

The VEC suggests anyone unsure if they are eligible to nominate should seek independent legal advice.

New and relocated voters are also advised to move quickly, with the VEC closing the electoral roll at 8pm on Tuesday, November 8.

Postal vote applications are also now open.

Ballots will be drawn from 1pm on November 11, with early voting starting on November 14 and closing at 6pm on November 25 – the day before election day on November 26.

For more information on being a candidate, including recorded briefings and the VEC’s Candidate Helper tool, head to vec.vic.gov.au/candidates-and-parties/become-a-state-election-candidate