Local Government Victoria - Mandatory Candidate Training
The Local Government Act 2020 has a requirement for Mandatory Candidate Training. Eligibility requirements for local government election
candidates have changed.
This year, for the first time, there is a new requirement that all candidates must complete Local Government Candidate Training before you are able
to nominate and provide proof to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) when you nominate as a candidate.
This includes all serving or former Councillors intending to nominate.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the new Mandatory Candidate Training requirements here.
The mandatory Local Government Candidate Training course for the 2020 elections is now available online. The online course will take around an hour
to complete and ensure candidates fully understand the role of Councillor and its requirements.
The course can be found at https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) - Information Sessions
The Victorian Electoral Commission's Candidate Information video presentation is now available.
The presentation provides comprehensive information for prospective candidates to find out more about the nomination process for the 2020 local council elections.
Watch the video
The recorded version will be complemented by three state-wide interactive candidate seminars. The seminars will provide prospective candidates the opportunity to ask questions about the nomination process and the election.
Register to attend a state-wide interactive candidate seminar. Register here
No local, in-person candidate information sessions will be held because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
You can find out more about the nomination process by reading the VEC Candidate Handbook.
Local Government Victoria have published Safe Campaign Guidelines for the 2020 local council elections.
The guidelines will help candidates understand how to comply with the directions of the Victorian Chief Health Officer to stay safe while campaigning.
They include advice on permitted campaign activities, safety for campaign teams, basic hygiene and physical distancing.
Local Government Victoria will continually update these guidelines with the latest directions and restrictions.
Click on the images below to download VEC handbooks
Please visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website for further information about Council Elections.
HOW TO NOMINATE
A candidate Helper application is available online from the VEC to help you complete the:
- nomination form
- candidate statement
- candidate questionnaire
Click on link to access |
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To nominate, you must:
- complete the mandatory Local Government Training before submitting your nomination
- complete a nomination form
- make an appointment to submit the hard copy in person with the Election Manager for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
- pay a nomination fee of $250 in cash or with a bank, building society or credit union cheque (no personal cheques).
View a Candidate Helper Video Tutorial
MAV - Stand for Council - Community and Candidate Information Session
Municipal Association of Victoria is hosting an information session ahead of Council Elections in October. It will focus on:
- Introduction to Local Government
- Introduction to your Local Council
- What is expected of a Councillor?
- Councillor interviews
- How to become a Councillor
This will be a virtual session
When: Wednesday, 9 September 2020 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: online via Zoom
Event Cost: Free
Registrations Essential: Register Here
Key Election Dates for Candidates
Candidates for Council Elections must adhere to certain key dates and conditions.
Entitlement Day - Friday 28 August 2020 (4:00pm)
Entitlement day (57 days before election day) is important for a candidate because it’s the last chance a person has to be correctly enrolled to vote.
Opening of Nominations - Thursday 17 September 2020
Certification of the voter's roll by the Registrar. Opening of the nomination period.
Close of Nominations - Tuesday 22 September 2020 (12 noon)
Candidates must be nominated by 12 noon on the day that is 32 days before the election day. Start of Election (Caretaker) Period.
Lodgement Deadline - Wednesday 23 September 2020 (12 noon)
Candidates personal statements and photographs must be lodged by 12 noon. Lodgement of candidate questionnaires deadline 12 noon.
Close of Voting - Friday 23 October 2002 (6:00pm)
Ballot papers must be posted by 6.00pm on the day before the election day.
Election Day - Saturday 24 October 2020
The election day is the last Saturday in October – 24 October 2020. Extraction and counting activities for postal elections commence. Postal vote receipt period closes 12 pm, Friday 30 October 2020.
Declaration of the Poll - Sunday 25 October - Friday 6 November 2020
The Election Manager will publicly declare results after the votes have been counted and scrutineers have had time to examine the record of the count. Public declaration to take place no later than Friday 6 November 2020.
Safe Campaigning for the 2020 Council Elections in Victoria
Candidates for council general elections will be considering how to safely campaign for election during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These guidelines aim to help candidates to safely campaign by providing an overview of the restrictions applicable to campaign activities and measures they can take to reduce the risk of transmission.
click the image below to download