Both council elections will be held by post – a safe and completely secret method of voting – due to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Electoral commissioner Warwick Gately issued a call to council residents and ratepayers to be ready to have their say.
“Make sure you’re enrolled correctly by the close of roll,” Mr Gately said.
“As this is a postal election, it’s important to check your address details are correct, including any alternative postal address.
“If you’re an Australian citizen and you’ve recently turned 18 or moved, and you haven’t enrolled or updated your address, or if you’ve just closed your post office box with Australia Post, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment.”
Non-Australian citizens who pay rates on a property or business in the shires, or people living outside the shires but pay rates, can apply to enrol by calling Gannawarra Shire on 5450 9333 or Campaspe Shire on 5481 2200.
“Voting in local council elections is compulsory if you’re a state-enrolled voter, and we encourage council-enrolled voters to vote,” Mr Gately said.
“Your local council makes important decisions about your community facilities, services and local business community, so it’s important to have your say by voting in this election.”
Voters must be on the roll by 4pm on Friday, August 28 to vote in the council elections.
Ballot packs will be distributed from October 6 to 8 and voting will close at 6pm on October 23.
Voters who will be away during the election period can have their ballot pack redirected to an address of their choice by making a request in writing by Thursday, September 17.
More information is available by calling 131 832 or at vec.vic.gov.au.
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