Murrindindi Shire Council by-election set for December

Friday 21 August 2026

For immediate release

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Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is asking residents and ratepayers in Murrindindi Shire Council, Kinglake Ward to be ready to have their say in the by-election scheduled for December, following the resignation of Councillor Jodi Adams. The by‑election will be held by post.

'You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4 pm on Wednesday 23 September. 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 living in Kinglake 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 Kinglake Ward can apply to the council to enrol by calling (03) 5772 0333. As long as they don’t have another voting entitlement in Murrindindi Shire 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 Wednesday 23 September.

Owner-ratepayers occupier-ratepayers, or a director or company secretary of a corporation of a property who were automatically enrolled in Kinglake Ward for the 2024 general election for Murrindindi Shire 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) 5772 0333.

'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 1,804 Victorians are enrolled in Kinglake Ward, which includes Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Castella and Toolangi and surrounds.