Local Government Elections 2020 Information

Voting

Voting in Local Government elections is compulsory for anyone enrolled to vote.  If you are unsure if you are enrolled to vote or your address has recently changed, it is important to check or update your details by going to the Victorian Electoral Commission website. Alternatively, you can contact the Victorian Electoral Commission on 131 832.

Mandatory Local Government Candidate Training for the 2020 Local Government elections will be delivered through a short online course. The link to access these resources will be available from the week commencing 10 August 2020 and you will be able to access those resources at Local Government Victoria

Under the new requirements included in the Local Government Act 2020, candidates must complete the Victorian Government’s Local Government Candidate Training course to be eligible to nominate with the Victorian Electoral Commission. This includes all serving or former councillors intending to nominate.

Local Government Victoria has developed the online course in collaboration with the sector, the course will take approximately an hour to complete.

If you are unable to access or need assistance to access the online training, please contact Ararat Rural City Council via the phone number or email address below. 

Phone: 5355 0261

Email: [email protected]

Advice for Campaigning During COVID Restrictions

Campaigning for Council Elections - October 2020 - Guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Guidelines are available from Local Government Victoria for candidates to understand how to comply with the directions of the Victorian Chief Health Officer to stay safe while campaigning. 

Information and Guidelines are available on the Local Government Victoria website.

Insurance for Council Election Candidates

LGIS has produced a tailored and cost-effective solution providing a level of liability insurance for candidates for election related activities, eg attaching signage to poles and structures, footpath table meet and greets, sausage sizzles. For details of coverage and instructions on how to purchase click here. 

Important Council Election Dates

4pm, 28 August 2020:                Close of Voters’ roll (last date to update enrolment details)

9am, 17 September 2020:          Nominations open

12pm, 22 September 2020:        Nominations close

6 October – 8 October:              Ballot packs distributed to voters

6pm, 23 October 2020:              Close of Postal Voting

24 October 2020:                       Election Day

12pm, 30 October 2020:            Final day for receipt of mailed postal votes

13 November 2020:                   Latest date all results will be declared