Council elections are being held right across Victoria during October. With the exception of three councils currently under administration – Casey City Council, South Gippsland Shire Council and Whittlesea City Council – all Victorian councils are participating.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all voting will be conducted by mail. Registered voters will receive a ballot pack in the mail any time between 8 and 16 October. The ballot pack will include your ballot papers, instructions on how to vote, information about your candidates and a return envelope. All postal votes should be returned by Friday 23 October.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is responsible for conducting the elections. This video on their website outlines how the postal voting process will work.
VEC can assist with all questions about voting requirements, eligibility and additional support for people who have vision or literacy challenges. Contact them by email at info@vec.vic.gov.au or by calling 131 832.
Voting is compulsory for all registered voters aged between 18 and 70. For people aged 70 and over, voting is strongly encouraged. If you want to vote but haven’t received a ballot pack by October 16, contact the VEC.
Advice from COTA Green Sages
‘Due to climate change, we’re enduring increasingly severe heat waves and extreme weather leading to disastrous bushfires, health emergencies, drought and floods. Right now, we can focus on electing suitable councillors who are committed to addressing climate change issues at a local level.’ Ken Parker, Convenor.
Do your council candidates’ commitments include the following?
- reduction of council’s greenhouse gas output each year
- provision for vulnerable seniors in extreme heat events
- setting a target year to reach zero emissions soon
- a comprehensive sustainability plan
- support for local environmental groups
- support for a Climate Emergency declaration
- no support for a gas led recovery from COVID-19
You can support local candidates and groups who push for climate action now. Your vote counts. The results of this election, and all that follow, are about the world in which our future generations will live.
See COTA’s Green Sages webpage for more information.