How to vote

For more information about voting visit the Victorian Electoral Commission.

Local governments play a major role meeting the needs of the local community where you study, live and work.

Our representatives on the Council should reflect the diverse communities they serve.

Which is why your vote can really make a difference.

A step-by-step guide to voting

• All voting in council elections is by post, and the Victorian Electoral Commission will mail ballot packs with ballot materials to all enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
• If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission to complete the online replacement form or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement pack.
• You will receive two ballot papers, one to vote for Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor, and one to vote for the remaining nine councillors.
• You must complete your ballot papers correctly for each vote to count.
• Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor:
  • Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidates you 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.
• Councillors – you can vote in one of two ways for the nine councillors:
  • Vote for a group by putting the number 1 in a box above the line, and your preferences will follow the group voting ticket; or
  • Vote for individual candidates by numbering all boxes below the line, in the order of your choice. If you vote below the line, you must number every box and only use each number once.
• Once you have completed your ballot papers, put them in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post the pack to the VEC using the reply-paid envelope provided.
• Your completed ballot packs with ballot papers must be in the mail by 6pm Friday 25 October.
• This is a postal vote only. However, you can drop off your completed ballot papers by 6pm Friday 25 October at the Melbourne City Council elections office at the Drill Hall, 51-57 Victoria Street, Melbourne, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• If you will be away during the voting period, you can vote in person at the election office after 3pm on Thursday 19 September (following the ballot draw), then from 9am on weekdays until Friday 25 October, excluding public holidays. Read more on the VEC website.
  

Voting in the Melbourne City Council elections is compulsory if you are enrolled to vote.

For further information please see: Melbourne City Council election | Victorian Electoral Commission.