Enrolled voters across the Campaspe Shire can soon expect to find ballot packs in their mail boxes, and the electoral office is encouraging voters to not miss their chance of a say.
As of Monday October 7, the choice as to who will be on the council for the Campaspe Shire is in the hands of the people, with ballot packs arriving in mailboxes.
With the ward system dropped, enrolled voters will have their chance to vote for nine councillors from the pool of 12 candidates stemming from all across the Campaspe Shire.
With this year’s local government elections being entirely by postal voting, the Victorian electoral commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, is encouraging people to vote as early as possible.
“This election is postal, so it’s important to complete and return your ballot material as soon as possible to make sure your vote counts,” Mr Bluemmel said.
The ballot pack that began arriving in mailboxes from Monday will include the ballot paper, candidate statements, a ballot paper envelope, a reply-paid envelope and a leaflet with instructions in other languages.
If a ballot pack has not arrived before Tuesday October 15, voters should complete an online replacement ballot pack form.
Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the selection office at the former Echuca-Moama Information Centre, 2 Heygarth St, Echuca, by 6pm on Friday, October 25.
Voting is compulsory for all Campaspe Shire residents who are enrolled to vote, and a fine may be issued if an enrolled voter has not voted.
In the lead-up to the local government elections, check out the profiles on each Campaspe Shire Council candidate online at the Free Press, The Riv or Campaspe News.