Victorian Local Government elections – October 2012
09 Aug 2012Information about local government elections for Victorians, and information for potential candidates about their responsibilities.
General elections for all councillor positions at 78 out of 79 Victorian municipalities will be held in October 2012. Councillors will be elected for a four year term.
The next general election for Brimbank City Council will be held on 28 March 2015.
Key dates for the 2012 local government elections:
- 31 August - Voters eligible to vote must be enrolled by this date.
- 25 September - People wanting to stand for their local council must lodge their nomination by midday.
- 25 September - ‘Caretaker’ period for councils begins at the end of this day. Councils must not make any major policy decisions during this time.
- 26 October - Voting closes (6pm) for voters at postal elections.
- 27 October - (Attendance elections only) Voting occurs at voting centres on this day.
The Victorian Government wishes to encourage a wide diversity of candidates in local government and is committed to continuing to empower and strengthen local communities through improvements in democratic processes.
Like members of State and Federal Parliaments, local government councillors are elected by their constituents. In local government these constituents are the residents and ratepayers of the municipality.
Candidates standing for council must make sure they understand their obligations and requirements under the Local Government Act 1989.
The Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate has commenced preparations for these elections to ensure candidates follow electoral laws. Read more about election preparation.
Electoral structures for councils vary, depending on local conditions. Many councils are divided into wards, where one or more councillors are elected to represent each ward. Other councils are not divided into wards and all councillors are elected to represent the entire council area.
The Think Women for Local Government program is funded by the Victorian Government for the provision of community support and encouragement for women considering candidacy. This program addresses the under-representation of women at the local government level. A wider diversity of councillors will mean a more inclusive voice for communities.
Useful links
Guide to Local Government - Conducting elections
The Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate
Municipal Association of Victoria
Victorian Local Governance Association
Victorian Electoral Commission
Authorised by Kendrea Pope, 8 Nicholson Street, Melbourne.
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