Greater Dandenong City Council by-election set for March
Wednesday 6 December 2023
For immediate release
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is asking residents and ratepayers in Greater Dandenong City Council, Yarraman Ward to be ready to have their say in the by-election scheduled for Saturday 9 March 2024, following the election to Victorian Parliament of Councillor Eden Foster. The by election will be held by post.
'You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4 pm on Friday 12 January 2024. As this is a postal election, it's important to check your address details are correct – this includes any alternative postal address,' Mr Bluemmel said.
'If you're an Australian citizen who lives in Yarraman Ward and you've recently turned 18 or moved, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment'
Ratepayers in Yarraman Ward can apply to the council to enrol by calling 03 8571 5216. As long as they don't have another voting entitlement in Greater Dandenong City Council and pay rates, property owners or occupiers and corporations can apply to be enrolled, even if they are not a citizen. Applications close at 4 pm on Friday 12 January 2024.
Owner-ratepayers who were automatically enrolled in Yarraman Ward for the 2020 general election for Greater Dandenong City Council will continue to be enrolled for the by-election, unless their circumstances have changed. Council-enrolled voters can check their enrolment by calling the council on 03 8571 5216.
'Voting in local council elections is compulsory if you are enrolled. We encourage ratepayers who are eligible to apply to vote to participate in their democracy,' Mr Bluemmel said.
'Your local council makes important decisions about your community services and businesses, so it's important to have your say by voting in this by-election.
Around 8,265 Victorians are enrolled in Yarraman Ward, which includes parts of Noble Park, Dandenong West and surrounds.
By-election timeline
4 pm Friday 12 January 2024 – Close of roll
- Voters must be on the voters' roll by this date to vote at the election
9 am Thursday 1 February 2024 – Nominations open
- Candidates must nominate with the election manager
12 noon Tuesday 6 February 2024 – Close of nominations and ballot draw
- Candidates must nominate by 12 noon. The ballot draw occurs after this.
Tuesday 20 February to Thursday 22 February 2024 – Ballot packs are distributed
- Ballot packs sent by post to every person on the voters' roll.
6 pm Friday 8 March 2024 – Close of voting
- Ballot papers must be in the mail or handed to the election office by 6 pm.
Saturday 9 March 2024 – Election day
- The day prescribed as election day
12 noon Monday 18 March 2024 – Final day for receipt of mailed postal votes
- Postal votes must be received by 12 noon. The election manager will include ballot material if satisfied it was posted before 6 pm on Friday 8 March 2024.
Friday 22 March 2024 – Declaration of results
- The VEC publishes the election results on the VEC website by this date