Stand for Council
Do you want to make a difference in your community? Why not stand for council?
On this page, you'll learn about the nomination process, information sessions for prospective candidates, and understand what it means to be a councillor.
Council election process and timeline
This year’s council elections are an opportunity for Victorians to elect the candidates who they think best represent, at the local level, their vision and interests for a better, stronger and more sustainable future. The decisions of councils affect the lives of everyone in our community. Becoming a councillor is a great hands-on way to serve your community and positively influence future directions and outcomes for your Shire.
Close of roll
People must be on the voters' roll by this date to be eligible to vote this election.
- Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 4pm
Nominations
Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate may submit their nomination between these dates.
- Monday, September 9; and,
- Tuesday, September 17 at 12 noon.
Mailout of ballot packs
Ballot packs are distributed via post to every enrolled person in contested elections in a random order over four days.
- Monday, October 7, 2024 to;
- Thursday, October 10, 2024
Close of voting
Postal ballots must be in the mail by this time for your vote to be counted.
- Friday, October 25, 2024 at 6pm.
Deadline for inclusion of postal votes
The Election Manager can accept postal votes received up to this time into the count. Only votes posted before the close of voting can be accepted.
- Friday, November 1, 2024 at 12pm.
Election day
- Saturday 26 October, 2024. The counting of votes begins.
Results declaration complete
The latest date all results will be declared.
- Friday, November 15, 2024.
Why Stand for Council
Councillors are responsible for setting policy and providing vision and strategic direction. Standing for election provides a great opportunity to influence the future direction of the local community and help those who require support.
Information Sessions
Attend these Information Sessions to get detailed insights about the role of a councillor and the election process.
Register to attend
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA)
The Victorian Local Governance Association is an independent organisation committed to supporting councils and councillors in good governance. Indigo Shire Council has partnered with the VLGA to conduct two further online information sessions.
Next Session: Wednesday 4 September 6pm - 8pm: Life as a Woman Councillor
Host: Indigo Shire Council (Zoom presenter)
In this session, women candidates in your region will be provided with an opportunity to hear from previous women councillors about their experiences representing local community. From standing for office, to getting elected and serving as a councillor, the unique experiences of women will be shared in an informal and relaxed environment promoting discussion and sharing of ideas.
Please email info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au to register your attendance.
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC)
The Victorian Electoral Commission will conduct candidate information sessions prior to the call for nominations. Further information will be available closer to the election.
Mandatory Candidate Training
All candidates in any council election in Victoria are required to complete the online Local Government Candidate Training. All candidates must also declare to the Victorian Electoral Committee (VEC) when they have completed the training in order to nominate.
The online Candidate Training is available to complete now on the Local Government Victoria website and takes around one hour to complete.
The candidate training – introduced in the Local Government Act 2020 – has been updated by Local Government Victoria to better equip and prepare candidates who are prospective first-term councillors. The training will help candidates understand the role of a councillor and what it requires before nominating. The training also serves as a refresher for more experienced councillor.
MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide 2024
This is a practical resource about Victorian local government. Whether you are a first-time candidate in the upcoming council elections, looking to return to role of councillor or a community member with an interest in local democracy, this guide is designed to assist.
MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide 2024