Words by Jodie Powell
Nominations have opened and a date has been set for the Moreton Bay Regional Council by-election to replace former Deputy Mayor Denise Sims, who resigned from Council on October 20.
Electoral Commission Queensland says the by-election will be held on Saturday, December 4, with applications for postal voting closing at 7pm on Monday, November 22.
Commissioner Pat Vidgen says early voting will run for two weeks from November 22 until Friday, December 3.
“Anyone interested in becoming a candidate for Division 7 must have completed and lodged their nomination form with the Returning Officer or the ECQ by noon on Monday, November 15,” Mr Vidgen says.
“Nomination forms and information about becoming a candidate are available on the ECQ’s website.”
Candidate rules
Mr Vidgen says it’s important not to leave nominating until the last minute because there are important requirements to meet.
“A non-endorsed candidate must be nominated by at least six electors who are enrolled in Division 7 of the Moreton Bay Council.
“A candidate endorsed by a registered political party must be nominated by the registered officer of the party.
“There is also a deposit of $250 to be paid and all candidates are required to complete mandatory online training within the six months prior to nominating.”
Are you enrolled?
Mr Vidgen says now is a great time for Moreton Bay Division 7 electors to check they are correctly enrolled.
“Enrolling or updating your enrolment is easy and can be done online in a few minutes,” he says.
“Anyone who has moved recently, or has just turned 18, should make sure they’re correctly enrolled by going to aec.gov.au.
“I remind electors, voting is compulsory at all levels of government in Queensland.”
Postal vote applications can be made online now.
All voting must be completed by 6pm on election day with the deadline for the return of postal votes on Tuesday, December 14.
Nominations for candidates close at noon on November 15, with the ballot order drawn at 2.30pm the same day.
Voting information, including locations and times, is available at ecq.qld.gov.au.
Read more local news here.
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