Council elections

Councils decisions 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 municipality.

Councillors are responsible for setting policy and providing the organisation with vision and strategic direction. They meet regularly through forums, briefings and officially as the council at monthly scheduled meetings.

Standing for election provides an excellent opportunity to influence the future direction of the local community and help those who require support.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has compiled a detailed handbook to help candidates understand the nomination process. To read the 2024 Candidate handbook, visit https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/candidates-and-parties/becoming-a-local-council-candidate/local-council-candidate-resources

For more information on how to nominate, visit https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/candidates-and-parties/becoming-a-local-council-candidate

All candidates nominating for election must complete Local Government Victoria Local Government Candidate Training before they are able to nominate. The training is currently being updated and while candidates can complete the training now, it is recommended that you complete the training following the update which will be completed by July 2024.

Under the Local Government Act 2020 you will not be able to nominate as a candidate unless you have completed the training

To access the training, visit https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training

How long will the training take?
The training should take around an hour to complete.

Where can I get help if I need it during the training?

Help is available during business hours from Local Government Victoria. 

Email address: lgact@ecodev.vic.gov.au

Victorian Electoral Commission have recently completed a review of Loddon Shire Council's ward boundaries.

Minister for Local Government, The Hon Melissa Horne has decided on the final ward boundaries for Loddon Shire, following recommendations from the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).

As a result, adjustments will be made to the boundaries of the Inglewood and Tarnagulla Wards. These changes were necessary to accommodate the relatively high growth rate in and around the town of Inglewood, resulting in most of Derby, Leichardt, and part of Inglewood and Bridgewater transferring from Inglewood Ward to Tarnagulla Ward. All other boundaries were left unchanged.

The changes will take effect for the upcoming Council elections in October.

To view the final report, visit https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/electoral-representation-advisory-panels-eraps

Who qualifies to be a councillor?

The Local Government Act 2020(PDF, 1MB)  lists the qualifications to be a councillor and the electoral provisions for being on the voters roll. The Victorian Electoral Commission website explains the different entitlements that residents may hold. 

How can I nominate for council elections?

Candidates are required to nominate with the Victorian Electoral Commission. The nomination period is from Monday 9 September 2024 to 12pm on Tuesday 17 September 2024. Read the VEC's "Becoming a council election candidate"on their website here.

Still want more information?

The Know Your Council website provides an opportunity for you to access consistent information in regard to the performance of local councils across Victoria.

The Victorian Electoral Commission is appointed to run the election on behalf of the council. They provide updated information on becoming a candidate. Visit the VEC website for further information https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/types-of-elections/local-council-elections

The peak organisation for Victorian local government is the Municipal Association of Victoria. Find out more about standing for and becoming a councillor on their website https://www.mav.asn.au/stand-for-council-2024

Local Government Elections 2024, visit https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/elections-2024

Election or Political Signage 2024 Local Government Elections

Signs displayed on Private Property

The following requirements apply to private land and are regulated under clause 52.05-10 of the Loddon Shire Planning Scheme. Any political or election signage that is contrary may be subject to fines and enforcement action under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Signs displayed on Council Land

The following requirements apply to Council land which includes parks, reserves, roads, parking areas, footpaths, nature strips etc. Any political or election signage that is contrary to the below requirements may be impounded.

Signs displayed on non-Council owned road reserves

Signs placed in non-Council owned road reserves will require the approval of the Department of Transport and Planning. Council may impound signs where approval cannot be shown.

For more information, please contact Loddon Shire Council on 03 5494 1200 or visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au to apply for a planning permit or local laws permit.

Voting in Loddon Shire elections

If you are enrolled to vote (State-enrolled or Council-enrolled), you must vote in your local council elections, or you may receive a fine. 

The Victorian Electoral Commission have prepared an FAQ booklet to provide answers to commonly asked questions relating to enrolment for local government elections. Frequently asked questions - Enrolling for the 2024 council elections(PDF, 547KB)

For more information on voting, visit https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/types-of-elections/local-council-elections

Check your enrolment status

Anyone unsure of their electoral status can check and update their address on the Victorian Electoral Commission website: https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment/check-my-enrolment.

Election Period (commonly known as Caretaker Period)

• Councils must comply with special arrangements in the lead up to elections, known as the caretaker period. This is in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 (Act). 
• The Act states that the election period starts on the last day on which nominations for the election can be received and finishes at 6pm on the election day.

• For the 2024 Council election, this means the election period will be from 12 Noon Tuesday September 17 until 6pm Saturday 26 October 2024.
• Council's Governance Rules(PDF, 386KB) ensures that all general elections of the Loddon Shire Council are conducted in a manner that is ethical, fair and equitable. 

Council activity during the election period 

• Councils are prohibited from making certain types of decisions
• Material produced by councils must not contain matter that will affect voting at the election.

• Read Council's Governance Rules(PDF, 386KB) for more information.

All candidates who nominate in council elections are required to submit an ‘Election Campaign Donation Return’ to the Chief Executive Officer within 40 days after election day.

Candidate returns must detail any gifts, goods or services worth $500 or more received during the donation period for use in connection with their election campaign. This applies to all candidates, whether elected or not, and whether they received campaign donations or not.

The ‘donation period’ is defined as the period beginning 30 days after election day in the previous election and ending 30 days after election day in the current election.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 the Chief Executive Officer must:

• submit a written report to the Minister specifying the names of the candidates in the election, and the names of the candidates who submitted an election campaign donation return; and
• ensure that a summary of an election campaign donation return is made available on Council's website until the close of the roll for the next general election; and
• ensure that a copy of an election campaign donation return is available for inspection for a period of four years from the date it is given.

2024 Election Campaign Donation Returns Summary can be accessed here 2024 Election Campaign Donation Returns Summary(PDF, 18KB)