The Victorian Electoral Commission has announced that local government elections will be held across the state in October.

Voting in this election will by post only. Ballot packs will be mailed to all enrolled voters from Monday 7 October. The packs will contain a ballot paper, candidate statements, a reply-paid envelope and a leaflet with instructions in other languages.

Voting is compulsory. You must vote in the council election for your state-enrolled address. If you own more than one property, is optional to enrol for those additional properties you pay rates on in other councils but once you enrol you must vote in that election as well.

Voting papers must be mailed or delivered to an electoral office no later than 6:00 pm on Friday October 25.

Because of recent changes to the electoral structure for Hepburn Shire, seven councillors will be elected at large across the whole of Hepburn Shire.

Information for Potential Candidates

In partnership with Victorian councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is delivering a number of Stand for Council information sessions for the community and prospective candidates.

The local Candidate Information Session, hosted by City of Ballarat, will be held on Thursday 8 August at the Ballarat Town Hall from 6pm to 8.30pm. The session can be attended either in-person or online.

For more information and to register, visit the MAV website or email standforcouncil@mav.asn.au . Note, there will be no registration available on the day of the session.

Community Voice Information Session

Community Voice, which formed during the campaigning period for the 2020 local government election is inviting residents to attend a community meeting to consider the future direction of the group.

On Sunday, August 4th, they will hold an open forum at Radius Gallery, 76 Main Rd, Hepburn starting at 10:30 am. The forum will include brief talks presented by local thinkers and activists around the themes of climate, environment, governance, young peoples’ perspectives, and liveability including affordable housing. The forum will also outline the candidate process and councillor responsibilities. some of the candidates who are planning to run for election will be in attendance.