Going postal for the council election

The Electoral Commissioner has called for council-enrolled voters to be ready to cast their vote in the upcoming local council election for Bass Coast Shire Council.  

The election will be conducted by post, "a safe and completely secret method of voting", said Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel.

"Make sure you're enrolled correctly by the close of roll, which is 4pm on Wednesday August 7," Mr Bluemmel said.

"As this is a postal election, it's important to check your address details are correct - this includes any alternative postal address.

"If you're an Australian citizen and recently turned 18, or moved and haven't updated your address, or if you've just closed your post office box with Australia Post, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment."

He said people living outside Bass Coast Shire who pay rates for a property they own in the shire, or non-Australian citizens who occupy and pay rates on a property in the shire, or a representative of a company or business operating in the shire can apply to the council to enrol by calling 5671 2211.  

Mr Bluemmel reminded voters the rules for council enrolments had recently changed. 

"Voting in local council elections is now compulsory for all state-and council-enrolled voters. 

"In previous elections it was not compulsory for council-enrolled voters to vote - now everyone must vote if they are on the voters' roll."

Voters who will be away during the election period can have their ballot pack redirected to an address of their choice by completing a redirection form online at vec.vic.gov.au by September 9. 

Details: 131 832 or vec.vic.gov.au, to sign up to the free VoterAlert service.