Victorians urged to enrol for upcoming council elections

The VEC is preparing to deliver safe elections during the extraordinary circumstances of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with all eligible residents and ratepayers encouraged to check they are enrolled by 4 pm Friday 28 August to be able to vote in the local council elections across Victoria this October.

Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately has issued a call ahead of the enrolment deadline: ‘If you’re 18 or over and you live in or pay rates to a Victorian council, enrol and have your say on the future of your local council.’

Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 or changed address can enrol or update their details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment.

Anyone on the State electoral roll for their current address is automatically enrolled for these elections. There are also additional enrolment categories for non-resident owners, occupiers, company nominees and non-Australian citizens who pay rates. People in these categories should contact their local council for further information.

The 2020 Victorian council elections will be the State’s largest single election program, with a predicted 4.5 million voters and over 2,000 candidates participating in elections across 76 councils.

Casey City Council, Whittlesea City Council and South Gippsland Shire Council will not have general elections this October.

Further information on enrolment is available by calling 1300 805 478 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert service to receive important election reminders by SMS and email.