Previous Council Elections

2023 Watson Ward By-election

Kate Roper was elected as the new Watson Ward Councillor for the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

She took her oath of office as a Councillor during the Ordinary Council Meeting held on April 4, 2023, marking the commencement of her official duties.

Cr Kate Roper had previously served as a councillor for the Cerberus Ward from 2016 to 2020.

The extraordinary vacancy in the Watson Ward arose due to the resignation of the former Councillor, Paul Mercurio. His resignation followed his election as the Member for Hastings during the 2022 Victorian State Election.

Notice of result - published 28 March 2023

Watson Ward By-election Candidates

Candidates announced for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council postal by-election

A total of 6 candidates have nominated in the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Watson Ward by-election. The candidates, in ballot paper order, are:

  • BORZECKI, Stefan
  • STEPHENS, Michael
  • CLARKE, Rob
  • LOOIS, Ben
  • BEVERIDGE, Susie
  • ROPER, Kate

Further information provided by the candidates about their background and qualifications:

Candidate Statements(PDF, 236KB)

Questionnaire and Answers(PDF, 581KB)

For further information on the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council by-election, visit the VEC website: Watson Ward By-election | Victorian Electoral Commission


Information for Candidates

Information for Candidates

Electoral Signage Guidelines

Signage on the Mornington Peninsula must comply with:

- The Mornington Peninsula Community Amenity Local Law 2022
- The Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme
- The Environment Protection Act 1970

The following guidelines provide for the placement of all signage within the Mornington Peninsula Shire: Electoral-Signage-Guidelines.pdf(PDF, 322KB)

Candidate Information Request Register

All requests for information by Watson Ward By-election Candidates will be added to this Register to ensure equity of information for all candidates.

The Register will be updated regularly by the Council's Governance team.

Any enquiries regarding the Candidate Information Request Register can be directed to Council’s Governance team at election.information@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Information Request Register(PDF, 203KB)

Election Campaign Donation Returns

Local government election candidates are required by law to provide a record of whether they did or didn’t receive any donations or gifts, including in-kind support, for their election campaign.

The Local Government Inspectorate is the integrity agency for local government in Victoria and investigates alleged breaches of the Local Government Act 2020, including electoral offences. The Inspectorate monitors the submission of Campaign Donation Returns by candidates in council elections and may prosecute any candidate who fails to comply with the Act.

Under the Act, all candidates in Victorian council elections must submit a return within 40 days of election day.

Candidates for the 2023 Watson Ward By-election must complete and submit their forms to the Chief Executive Officer at ceo@mornpen.vic.gov.au or by post to
Mr John Baker, Chief Executive Officer
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Private Bag 1000
ROSEBUD 3939

If you were a candidate in 2023 Watson Ward By-election you must submit a return. The form, and FAQ guide, can be downloaded below.

If you were not elected and/or you received no donations, you still must submit a return.

On the form, you must include:
all monetary donations over the value of $500
all donations of in-kind support over the value of $500
all donations of services over the value of $500
all donations from the same person or body, if the combined value of the donations you received from that person or body is over $500

If you received no gifts, you must indicate this in the Details of Gifts’ section by writing ‘No disclosable gifts’ or words to that effect in the table provided. All fields must be filled out and the declaration signed by the candidate.

Failure to submit a Campaign Donation Return, or providing false or misleading information on a Campaign Donation Return, can result in prosecution and fines of more than $9900 (as of 1 July 2020). 

In accordance with section 307(2) of the Local Government Act 2020  the Chief Executive Officer must ensure that a summary of each election campaign donation return is made available on the Council's Internet site until the close of the roll for the next general election in 2024.

View a summary of the 2023 Candidates  Election Campaign Donation Returns(PDF, 210KB).

2023 Election Campaign Donation Return Form(PDF, 403KB)

Campaign donation return FAQ

2023 Watson Ward By-election - Call for candidates

Call for candidates for upcoming Mornington Peninsula Shire Council by-election

Nominations to stand as a candidate for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Watson Ward by-election open on Thursday 9 February.

Nomination forms must be lodged in person, together with the $250 nomination fee, with the election manager during business hours. The election office will operate on weekdays from Thursday 9 February to Friday 17 March at:

  • 21 High Street, Hastings.

Nominations close at 12 noon on Tuesday 14 February. Late nominations cannot be accepted.

Prospective candidates can call the election manager from Wednesday 8 February on 1300 202 885 to make a nomination appointment. They can also pre-fill their nomination form online using the VEC’s Candidate Helper at candidatehelper.vec.vic.gov.au/

Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available on request by contacting the election manager.

Further information on nominating as a candidate is available at vec.vic.gov.au.

Voting in the Watson Ward By-election

Voting in the Watson Ward by-election

Check the mail for your ballot pack Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday 28 February 2023. This is a postal election only. If you do not receive your ballot pack by Wednesday 8 March 2023, call 1300 202 885 during office hours to arrange a replacement.

How to vote correctly

You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you most want to see elected, then number ALL the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number EVERY BOX and only use each number once.

How to return your completed ballot paper

Follow the instructions on your ballot paper to complete your vote. To return your completed ballot paper, put it in the ballot paper envelope then use the reply-paid envelope provided or hand-deliver it during office hours to: 21 High Street, Hastings. Office hours are 9am to 5pm, with extended hours on Thursday 16 March (9am to 8pm) and Friday 17 March (9am to 6pm). Voting closes at 6pm on Friday 17 March.

Voting is compulsory

Voting is compulsory for all voters who were on the State roll at 4pm on Friday 20 January 2023. You may be fined if you do not vote — this includes homeowners and tenants.

You are encouraged to vote, but you will not be fined if you don't vote, if:

  • you live outside this local council area
  • you are enrolled directly with the Council to be on the voters' roll for this election.

Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand-delivered by 6pm Friday 17 March 2023. Local mail clearance times vary. Ballot packs must be mailed before final clearance times in the last week of voting. Don't risk a fine.

For further information on the Watson Ward or to view the Watson Ward Map, see: Watson Ward


 

2022-23 Seawinds Ward Countback

On 20 December 2022, Councillor Kerri McCafferty informed Council that she had stepped down from her role as a Councillor and the VEC were advised the Mornington Peninsula Shire had another extraordinary vacancy.

Media release: Councillor Kerri McCafferty resignation

VEC media release: Vacancy within Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

The countback for the seat in the Seawinds Ward has been confirmed for 30 January 2023 at 10am. This is held online and will be available to view via the VEC website. 

Download: Countback-Timeline-January-2023.pdf(PDF, 572KB)

 Declaration of Result 

At the countback of votes on Tuesday 13 April 2021, the following candidate was elected to fill an extraordinary vacancy in Nepean Ward within Mornington Peninsula Shire Council: Susan Bissinger.

Fran Lombardi Election Manager
Victorian Electoral Commission
vec.vic.gov.au | 131 832

Authorised by W. Gately, AM, Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

2020 Local Government General Election 

Mornington Peninsula Shire 2020-2024 Councillors Announced 

Briars Ward
Steve Holland, Despi O'Connor and Anthony Marsh

Cerberus Ward
Lisa Dixon

Nepean Ward
Sarah Race and Hugh Fraser

Red Hill Ward
David Gill 

Seawinds Ward
Antonella Celi, Debra Mar and Kerri McCafferty

Watson Ward
Paul Mercurio

The Victorian Electoral Commission announced the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2020 council election results at the ‘Declaration of Election’ ceremony at the Peninsula Community Theatre 06 Friday November. The event was live streamed via the council’s website.
The new Council will be sworn in at the Annual Council Meeting on Monday 16 November where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will also be elected. 

2020 Local Government General Election Candidates - Campaign Donation Returns

2020 Local Government General Election Candidates - Campaign Donation Returns

Local government election candidates are required by law to provide a record of whether they did or didn’t receive any donations or gifts, including in-kind support, for their election campaign.

The Local Government Inspectorate is the integrity agency for local government in Victoria and investigates alleged breaches of the Local Government Act 2020, including electoral offences. The Inspectorate monitors the submission of Campaign Donation Returns by candidates in council elections and may prosecute any candidate who fails to comply with the Act.

Under the Act, all candidates in Victorian council elections must submit a return within 40 days of election day. For the 2020 elections, this date is 3 December 2020.

Candidates for the 2020 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections must complete and submit their forms to the Chief Executive Officer at ceo@mornpen.vic.gov.au or by post to
Mr John Baker, Chief Executive Officer
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Private Bag 1000
ROSEBUD 3939

If you were a candidate in 2020 you must submit a return. The form, and FAQ guide, can be downloaded below.

If you were not elected and/or you received no donations, you still must submit a return.

On the form, you must include:
all monetary donations over the value of $500
all donations of in-kind support over the value of $500
all donations of services over the value of $500
all donations from the same person or body, if the combined value of the donations you received from that person or body is over $500

If you received no gifts, you must indicate this in the Details of Gifts’ section by writing ‘No disclosable gifts’ or words to that effect in the table provided. All fields must be filled out and the declaration signed by the candidate.

Failure to submit a Campaign Donation Return, or providing false or misleading information on a Campaign Donation Return, can result in prosecution and fines of more than $9900 (as of 1 July 2020). 

In accordance with section 307(2) of the Local Government Act 2020  the Chief Executive Officer must ensure that a summary of each election campaign donation return is made available on the Council's Internet site until the close of the roll for the next general election in 2024. 

View a summary of the 2020 Candidates  Election Campaign Donation Returns(PDF, 329KB).

2020 Election Campaign Donation Return Form(PDF, 836KB)

Campaign donation return FAQ

 

2020 Local Government General Election Report

2020 Local Government General Election Report

This report provides information on the 2020 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council general election including details of the end-to-end service delivery of electoral activities throughout the election timeline. This report also provides details of post-election items including compulsory voting enforcement.

Download: Mornington Peninsula Shire Election Report(PDF, 15MB)

 

Election (Caretaker) Period

Local government elections will be held across Victoria on Saturday 24 October 2020.

From midday on Tuesday 22 September to 6pm on Saturday 24 October 2020 we must comply with important legislative requirements in the lead up to the election, known as the Election Period.

During this time Council cannot publish or cause to be published any electoral matter that may infringe Council’s obligation under the Local Government Act 2020 and its Election Period Policy.
This means we are limited in what information and updates we can share with you during this time to ensure that Council actions do not influence the election process and that it is fair and equal for all.

Please note some content may be hidden during the Election Period, including information about current Councillors.

Routine service delivery and administration will not be affected and will continue as normal during the Election Period.
This includes providing you with updates on urgent operational and service matters that may arise, including those surrounding current coronavirus restrictions.

Section 60 of the Act requires the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to develop, adopt and keep in force Governance Rules for or with respect to an
election period policy in accordance with section 69. Section 69 of the Act requires Council to include an election period policy in its Governance Rules.

The Election Period (Caretaker) Policy(PDF, 254KB) and any Procedures developed pursuant to it have been developed in order to ensure that the general
elections for the Council on Saturday 24 October 2020 and subsequent elections are conducted in a manner that is ethical, fair and equitable, and are publicly
perceived as such.

The Policy also facilitates the continuation of the ordinary business of local government in the Council throughout the Caretaker Period in a responsible and transparent manner, in accordance with statutory requirements and best practice.

Council Elections

Council elections are held every four years on the fourth Saturday in October.

The next Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections will be held Saturday, 24 October 2020. 

The conduct of council elections is regulated by the Local Government Act 2020  and the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2020.

 The management of the election process is undertaken by the Victorian Electoral Commission on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council's behalf. 

The content on this web page will continue to be updated as information comes to hand from external sources, so please check back. 

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council - Electoral Structure

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is divided into Six Wards with a total of Eleven Councillors.

  • Briars Ward (3 Councillors) includes Mount Eliza, Mornington and most of Mount Martha.

  • Cerberus Ward (1 Councillor) includes Hastings, Bittern, Crib Point, Tuerong , and Moorooduc. 

  • Red Hill Ward (1 Councillor) includes Red Hill , Red Hill South, Merricks North, Balnarring , Point Leo, Flinders, HMAS Cerberus, Somers, Shoreham, Main Ridge, Boneo, Fingal, Cape Schanck, and St Andrews Beach. 

  • Seawinds Ward (3 Councillors) includes Rosebud, Dromana, Capel Sound, Arthurs Seat and Safety Beach.

  • Nepean Ward (2 Councillors) includes Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Tootgarook and most of Rye.

  • Watson Ward (1 Councillor) includes Somerville, Tyabb and Baxter.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council - Electoral Structure Map
This structure came into effect at the October 2016 election as a result of a 2016 Subdivision Review

The next scheduled representation review for Mornington Peninsula Council will be conducted before the 2024 Council Elections. 

Enrolment and Voting Information

VOTING IN THE 2020 COUNCIL ELECTIONS HAS NOW CLOSED. 

Results will be available after Friday 30 October, following the close of the postal vote receipt period.

Postal voting in the 2020 local Council elections 

Ballot packs will be mailed to everyone on the voters' roll from 6 to 8 October.

Make sure you follow the instructions on the ballot pack and return your completed vote before 6 pm on Friday 23 October for your vote count.

 

 VICTORIAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION - VOTING INFORMATION

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VOTE BY POSTOCTOBER 2020
  • Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the State roll for this election by 4pm on Friday 28 August 2020. 

  • You are encouraged to vote but will not be fined if you don't if:
    • you live outside the council area.
    • you applied to Council to be on the roll. 
  • Each voter has one vote in a council area, regardless of how many entitlements you may have in the municipality. 
  • If you moved house and did not update your address by 4pm on Friday 28 August 2020, your ballot pack will be
    addressed to your old address. If you do not have a mail redirection in place, please contact the Election Office on 1300 122 917.
  • Ballot packs will be sent by the Victorian Electoral Commission to enrolled voters between 6 October and 8 October 2020.
    (Please note: voters in the same households may not receive their packs on the same day).
  • The ballot packs will include information on all candidates in your ward and instructions on how to fill out the ballot form. 
  • Enrolled voters must complete the ballot form and have their ballot packs in the return post by 6:00 pm Friday, 23 October 2020. 
  • Find out more about voting
  • Request a redirection of ballot pack
  • Download an 'Away from Victoria' notification form
  • Moved house?
  • Download detailed Electoral Structure Map

Click on the VEC link below:

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The roll closed for the 2020 local council elections at 4 pm on Friday 28 August.

If you are enrolled, you will receive a ballot pack in the post between Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 October 2020.

State enrolment

  • If you live in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and are enrolled to vote in State elections at your current address, you are automatically enrolled to vote in Council elections. 
  • If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or over and you have lived at your current address in the Mornington Peninsula Shire for at least one month you will need to enrol with the Victorian Electoral Commission if you are not on the State electoral roll.

You can apply, check and amend your state enrolment details online at the  Victorian Electoral Commission website.

Voting is compulsory for State enrolled electors for Council elections.

Council enrolment

If you were on the last voters’ roll for Mornington Peninsula Shire at the 2016 Council elections as a non-resident owner (and the circumstances of your enrolment have not changed), you will be automatically enrolled by council to vote at this year’s election.

You can apply to vote if you are aged 18 years or over, pay rates for a property in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and are not otherwise entitled to vote in the Mornington Peninsula Shire . 
This includes:

  • people who are non-Australian citizens;
  • property owners who do not live in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and were not enrolled on the 2016 voters’ roll as a non-resident owner; and
  • people who occupy rateable property in Mornington Peninsula Shire and are liable to pay the rates.

You may also be eligible to apply to vote if you are either a director or secretary of a corporation which is liable to pay rates in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and you are appointed by the corporation to represent their interests.  

Voter enrolment forms

For further information regarding enrolment forms, please contact our Revenue Office on 03 5950 1080 or via email: ratechanges@mornpen.vic.gov.au

2020 Council Election Candidates

Voting in the 2020 Council Elections has now closed. 

Results will be available after Friday 30 October, following the close of the postal vote receipt period. 

Please visit the Victorian Electoral Commission for further information and to view the progress and available results for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council election results for 2020. 

Mornington Peninsula Shire has 43 candidates contesting the elections across six Wards: 

  • Briars Ward (3 vacancies) includes Mount Eliza, Mornington and most of Mount Martha.
  • Cerberus Ward (1vacancies) includes Hastings, Bittern, Crib Point, Tuerong , and Moorooduc.
  • Red Hill Ward (1 vacancies) includes Red Hill , Red Hill South, Merricks North, Balnarring , Point Leo, Flinders, HMAS Cerberus, Somers, Shoreham, Main Ridge, Boneo, Fingal, Cape Schanck, and St Andrews Beach.
  • Seawinds Ward (3 vacancies) includes Rosebud, Dromana, Capel Sound, Arthurs Seat and Safety Beach.
  • Nepean Ward (2 vacancies) includes Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Tootgarook and most of Rye.
  • Watson Ward (1 vacancies) includes Somerville, Tyabb and Baxter.

Visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website to view  a full list of all Mornington Peninsula Shire candidates and their questionnaire responses.

View your Ward Candidate Statements. These Candidate Statements will also be included in the ballot pack mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday 6 October 2020.

View Briars Ward Candidate Statements 

View Cerberus Ward Candidate Statements 

View Nepean Ward Candidate Statements

View Red Hill Ward Candidate Statements

View Seawinds Ward Candidate Statements 

View Watson Ward Candidate Statements 

Candidate Information Request Register

In accordance with section 11.1 of Council's Election (Caretaker) Period Policy an Information Request Register will be maintained for the duration of the Election Period. 

All requests for information by candidates including current Councillors will be added to this Register to ensure equity of information for all candidates.

The Register will be updated regularly by the Council's Governance team.

Any enquiries regarding the Candidate Information Request Register can be directed to Council’s Governance team at election.information@mornpen.vic.gov.au

View the Candidate Information Request Register(PDF, 408KB)
View the Election (Caretaker) Period Policy(PDF, 254KB)

Electoral Signage Guidelines

The following guidelines are provided for the placement of electoral signs within the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

WHERE SIGNS CAN BE PLACED (PRIVATE LAND)

Electoral signs are permitted on private land with the owner’s consent and without the need for a planning permit, provided that:

  • It is not located on road reserves, i.e. road pavement, median strips, traffic signals, electricity poles etc.
  • It is stable and securely fixed to fences or poles on private land, and not attached to trees.
  • The advertisement area does not exceed 5 square meters.
  • Only one sign is displayed on the land.
  • It is not animated or internally illuminated.
  • It is not displayed longer than 14 days after the event is held, or 3 months, whichever is sooner.
WHERE SIGNS CANNOT BE PLACED (COUNCIL LAND)

Electoral signs are not permitted on roads, municipal buildings, reserves or Council land, including any structures such as bus shelters, light poles within road reserves.
Definitions are listed below; however, in general terms, no electoral advertising is permitted on roads, parkland or Council property.

  1. No signage can be placed/erected on any council road or reserve (including parks) this also includes any VicRoads, roads or reserves. 
  2. Mobile billboards, (trailer types and signs that are placed in or on a vehicle) are not to be left standing / stationary as in (1) above. This type of signage has to be mobile at all times.
  3. Vehicles (other than trailers) that are permanently sign written may display signage, provided that they meet parking legislation requirements including time limits etc.
  4. The Environmental Protection Act 1970 (Litter section) prohibits the placing of any form of advertising on the windscreens of vehicles anywhere (public or private land).
  5. Banners, flags are also prohibited as in (1) above and are not to be attached to any fixtures located on any of the roads or reserves as in (1).

Council may remove non-compliant signs where located on Council land and retain them for collection by the candidate.

AUTHORISATION OF ELECTORAL MATERIAL

A person must not print, publish or distribute or cause, permit or authorise to be printed, published or distributed, an electoral advertisement, handbill, pamphlet or notice unless:

  • The name and address of the person who authorised the electoral advertisement, handbill, pamphlet or notice appears on its face
    (The address can be a street address or a PO Box address but cannot be an email address.)

Download a copy Council's Electoral Signage Guidelines(PDF, 340KB)
You can read more information in Council's Signage Policy(PDF, 295KB)

Becoming a Council Election Candidate

Nominations to stand as a candidate in the 2020 local council elections open on Thursday 17 September 2020.

The eligibility requirements for candidates have recently changed. Prospective candidates should confirm their eligibility and complete
the online mandatory local government candidate training before lodging their nomination.

This includes candidates who are currently or have previously been a Councillor.

Prospective candidates must make an appointment during business hours with the Election Manager to lodge their nomination form and
pay their $250 nomination fee by 12 noon Tuesday 22 September.

The Election office will be open for nominations during business hours from Thursday 17 September until 12 noon Tuesday 22 September 2020.

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To prepare, prospective candidates can: 

  • Watch the candidate information session video which outlines the nomination process.  Watch the video
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WHO CAN STAND AS A CANDIDATE IN THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE COUNCIL ELECTIONS?
To be a candidate for a local council election, you must: 
  • be an Australian citizen
  • be at least 18 years of age on the election day
  • be enrolled on the voter's roll for the council in which you wish to stand
  • have completed the mandatory Local Government Candidate Training
  • not be disqualified from being a Councillor

You are not eligible to stand for election if:

  • you are an undischarged bankrupt
  • your property is subject to control under the law relating to bankruptcy
  • you are a member of council staff of the Council. You can take leave from this role in order to nominate
  • you have been convicted of any of the criminal offences referred to in section 34(2) of the Act
  • you are a Councillor with another Council, including interstate Councils
  • you are member of an Australian Parliament, including the Federal Parliament or a Member of Parliament in any state or territory of the Commonwealth of Australia
  • you are employed by a Federal or State Member of Parliament as a Ministerial Officer, a Parliamentary Adviser or an Electorate Officer.  You can take leave from these roles in order to nominate
  • you are otherwise incapable of becoming or continuing to be a Councillor.

Further details are outlined in the Local Government Act 202

DO I NEED TO LIVE IN THE AREA?

Candidates can stand for election for any ward within the Mornington Peninsula Shire, even if
their enrolled address is in a different ward within the municipality.  

Information, Training and Assistance for Candidates

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

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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

Candidate Handbook

COVIDSafe Election Plan Candidate Kit
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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

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2016 Local Government General Election

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Elections were held in October 2016.

For full information, please check: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council 2016 Election Results

The Returning Officer declared the results of the elections on Wednesday 2 November 2016:

Briars Ward
Cr Bev Colomb, Cr Sam Hearn and Cr Rosie Clark
Cerberus Ward
Cr Kate Roper
Nepean Ward
Cr Bryan Payne and Cr Hugh Fraser
Red Hill Ward 
Cr David Gill
Seawinds Ward 
Cr Antonella Celi, Cr Simon Brooks and Cr Frank Martin
Watson Ward 
Cr Julie Morris

First Term Councillors
Cr Sam Hearn, Cr Rosie Clark, Cr Kate Roper, Cr Bryan Payne, Cr David Gill, Cr Simon Brooks, and Cr Julie (Edge) Morris. 
Returning Councillors 
Cr Bev Colomb, Cr Hugh Fraser, Cr Antonella Celi and Cr Frank Martin who was a Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillor 2008-2014
Term of Office
Council were sworn into Office at the Annual Council Meeting held Monday 14 November 2016.
General elections are run every four years.  All sitting Councillors including the Mayor will go out of office at 6 am on Election Day 24 October 2020. 

Campaign donation returns - 2016

The Local Government Elections in Victoria were held on 22 October 2016 by postal vote and conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) on behalf of Council. Pursuant to Section 62 of the Local Government Act 1989, Candidates are required within 40 days after the election day to provide an election campaign donation return.

All candidates must lodge a return within 40 days of the 2016 general election (by 1 December 2016), even if they were not elected or did not receive any campaign donations or gifts. Council is required to make available the 'election campaign donation return' a record of significant gifts received by election candidates for use in their election campaigns. These returns ensure public transparency about the level of financial and in-kind support given to candidates by individuals and organisations during elections.

Completed campaign donation returns are available for public inspection at the Council offices for four years after the election.
2016 Election Campaign Donation Returns(PDF, 66KB)