Council elections 2024

Published on 16 September 2024

Council elections 2024

The Benalla Rural City Council election will be held this October.

The election will be conducted entirely by post – a safe and completely confidential method of voting.

Voting is compulsory for all enrolled voters. The VEC conducts elections for all Victorian councils. For more information, visit vec.vic.gov.au

Election timeline

Monday 9 September: Candidate nominations open.

Tuesday 17 September: Candidate nominations close at Midday.

Monday 7 to Thursday 10 October: Mail-out of ballot packs.

Friday 25 October: Voting closes at 6pm.

Friday 15 November: Latest date all results will be declared.

Once the Election Period begins, several key changes take effect to ensure fairness and transparency of the election process. Benalla Rural City Council’s Election Period Policy restricts the use of council resources, including staff, equipment, and information, to prevent any advantage to current councillors. Major decisions, such as significant contracts or policy changes, are deferred to avoid influencing the election outcome.

Additionally, public consultations and events are limited to ensure that no undue influence is exerted on voters. Council publications and communications are also scrutinised to ensure they are impartial and do not promote any candidate.

These measures are designed to maintain the integrity of the election process and uphold public trust.

The Election Period runs from 18 September to 26 October. During this period all essential Council operations and services will continue. If you have any questions, please call Council’s Customer Relations team on 03 5760 2600.