Voting in the 2020 local council elections is in full swing across the Wimmera, as well as Victoria, with ballot packs mailed out tomorrow.
In a Victorian first, all elections being conducted by post, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately is encouraging people to vote as early as possible.
"With the elections being conducted by post, voters must complete and return their ballot material as soon as possible to make sure their vote is received in time," Mr Gately said.
Voters should complete and return their ballot material as soon as they receive it.
Completed ballot papers must be in the mail or hand-delivered to the election office by 6pm Friday, October 23.
Local mail clearance times vary so voters should check their local mail clearance times to make sure their vote is in the mail on time.
Voters who haven't received a ballot pack by Friday, October 16 should call their election office to arrange a replacement. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for election office contact details.
Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the State roll for this election at 4pm August 28 and Council-enrolled voters are encouraged to vote. State-enrolled voters who don't vote may be fined.
For wards and councils where, at the close of nominations, the number of candidates is the same as the number of vacancies, voting will not be required and candidates will be elected unopposed.
Voters in uncontested wards will be informed they will not be required to vote.
HORSHAM COUNCILLORS SAY GOODBYE:
As at the close of nominations, an insufficient number of candidates nominated to fill the vacancies for East Ward in Hindmarsh Shire Council.
No nominations were received to fill the single-councillor vacancy for South West Ward in Northern Grampians Shire Council. As a result, the 2020 local council election for South West Ward has failed.
By-elections to fill the vacancies in East Ward in Hindmarsh Shire Council and South West Ward in Northern Grampians Shire Council will be held in 2021.
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Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
