Local Government by-elections

This can help you when you vote

What to tell the election official. Tell the official at the voting table your full name (family name and first names) and address.

The official will check the electoral roll to see if your name is on it and that you can vote. If you need to, you can print these details on a piece of paper and give it to the official at the table.

Ballot Papers

The official will then give you a ballot paper. Take the ballot paper to a voting booth in the polling place where you can mark your votes in privacy.

Cast a Formal Vote

To cast a formal vote you must follow the instructions on the ballot paper.

The Ballot Box

When you finish marking the ballot paper fold it so that your vote cannot be seen and place the ballot paper in the ballot box as you leave the polling place.

No Absent Voting

If you are outside your local government area or ward (if the Council has wards) on election day, you cannot vote. You must cast your vote in the local government area or ward for which you are enrolled.

Your Name is not on the Roll

If your name is not on the roll or has been marked off the roll as having voted due to an error by the election official you are still entitled to vote and you can apply for a Section Vote. You will be handed an envelope, which has a declaration, which the official will complete for you and ask you to sign. The official will then witness your signature, retain the envelope and issue you with ballot papers. After completion bring the ballot papers back to the official. The official will insert the folded ballot papers into the envelope, seal it and place it in a ballot box.

Secret Vote

No one is entitled to know how you voted. Some electors are concerned that placing their ballot paper in an envelope which they sign will enable any person to identify their vote.

Only the Returning Officer or an appointed official and in the presence of Scrutineers will open these envelopes. Special directions are given on the handling of these ballot papers involving their removal from the envelope and immediate placement in a ballot box.

Special Help

People who cannot write or read the instructions, or who have a disability can arrange for a friend or relative to help them vote. They can also ask an election official for help.

Spoilt Ballot Papers

If, by mistake or accident your ballot paper is spoilt, do not tear or throw it away, return it to the election official for replacement.

Need Assistance

If you need assistance or if you do not understand how to mark your ballot paper please ask an election official.

Telephone Interpreting Service

Phone 13 14 50 for free language assistance in any language.

An operator will arrange for an interpreter in the appropriate language to join in a three-way conversation with an election official and questions will be answered in your own language.