The Victorian Electoral Commission is preparing to deliver a safe election during the extraordinary circumstances of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Wodonga City Council election will be conducted by post – a safe and completely secret method of voting.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately issued a call to the City of Wodonga residents and ratepayers to be ready to have their say.
‘Make sure you’re enrolled correctly by the close of roll, which isFriday, August 28 at 4pm. As this is a postal election, it’s important to check your address details are correct – this includes any alternative postal address,’ said Mr Gately.
‘If you’re an Australian citizen and you’ve recently turned 18 or moved, and 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 occupy and pay rates on a property or business in the City of Wodonga, or people living outside the City of Wodonga who pay rates for a property they own in Wodonga City Council, can apply to the Council to enrol by calling (02) 6022 9269. Non-resident owners who were enrolled at the most recent election (including any by-elections) for Wodonga City Council will be automatically enrolled. Applications close at 4 pm on Friday 28 August.
‘Voting in local council elections is compulsory if you’re a State-enrolled voter, and we encourage council-enrolled voters to vote.
‘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,’ Mr Gately added.
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 17 September.
More information is available by calling 131 832 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where State-enrolled voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert service to receive important election reminders by SMS and email.