Candidate FAQs
How do I nominate to become a candidate?
Dates will be updated as soon as confirmed.
To be a candidate, you must:
- complete a nomination form, make an appointment with the Election Manager (contact details to come) and deliver your form and nomination fee to the election office
- pay the nomination fee of $250 (which will be refunded if you are elected or get at least 4 per cent of the first preference votes)
- complete the local government training (around one hour) – register for the training: Local Government candidate training
- be eligible to stand as a candidate.
The candidate nomination form will be available on the Victorian Electoral Commission website approximately two weeks before the opening of nominations.
Candidate Helper is an online tool that will guide you through drafting your nomination form and allow you to print it to take into your nomination appointment. It will be available on the Victorian Electoral Commission website approximately two weeks before the opening of nominations.
You can find out more about becoming a council candidate by reading the Victorian Electoral Commission’s candidate handbooks or its local candidate information
Find details of Municipal Association of Victoria information sessions on what is involved in being a candidate and register to attend a session.
Where is the nomination form?
The candidate nomination form will be available on the Victorian Electoral Commission website approximately two weeks before the opening of nominations.
Candidate Helper is an online tool that will guide you through drafting your nomination form and allow you to print it to take into your nomination appointment. It will be available on the Victorian Electoral Commission website approximately two weeks before the opening of nominations.
Do I need to live in the City of Melbourne to become a candidate for the election?
To become a candidate, you must be enrolled to vote in the City of Melbourne. If you are not enrolled, you can check which form needs to be completed.
When do nominations open and close?
Dates will be updated as soon as confirmed.
The candidate nomination form will be available on the Victorian Electoral Commission website approximately two weeks before the opening of nominations.
Candidate Helper is an online tool that will guide you through drafting your nomination form and allow you to print it to take into your nomination appointment. It will be available on the Victorian Electoral Commission website approximately two weeks before the opening of nominations.
When is the election?
The Melbourne City Council election will be held in October 2024. There will be no voting on election day, as it is a postal vote only.
You must send your completed ballot papers back in the enclosed envelope before 6pm on Friday 25 October.
How long is a Council term?
Each Council term runs for four years. The last Melbourne City Council elections were held in October 2020.
What is the time commitment involved in being a Councillor?
Being a Councillor involves a significant time commitment. It involves regular in-person Council meetings and attending community and council events.
Generally, Councillors spend between 25 and 40 hours per week on Council-related matters.
For more details, see What to expect as a Council member.
What training do I have to complete to become a candidate?
The Victorian Government provides compulsory training for all Victorians who wish to nominate as a candidate in any council elections.
Under the Local Government Act 2020, you must complete the local government candidate training to nominate as a candidate. The training should take around an hour to complete.
The training will help you understand the role and responsibilities of being a councillor.
Register for the training at Local Government candidate training.
I’m not sure if I want to be a candidate, how do I find out more information?
The Municipal Association of Victoria has some great information on what is involved in being a Councillor. You can hear from current Council members and find out more about what to expect as a Melbourne City Council member.
You can find out more about becoming a council candidate by reading the Victorian Electoral Commission’s candidate handbooks or its local candidate information
Find details of Municipal Association of Victoria information sessions on what is involved in being a candidate and register to attend a session.
How do I get more information?
We are here to help! If you have any questions, please call the City of Melbourne team on 1300 735 427 from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm or email elections@melbourne.vic.gov.au
If I’m elected, how much will I get paid?
City of Melbourne pays councillors an annual allowance set by the state government. We also reimburse councillors for expenses incurred while carrying out their roles. Current allowance details are at Allowances and expenses.
Can I access public funding to become a candidate?
There is no public funding for candidates in local council elections.
Information on private campaign donations is at Election campaign donation returns.
How much does it cost to nominate as a candidate?
The nomination fee is $250. Candidates who receive 4 per cent or more of the formal first preference vote, or who are elected, will have their nomination fee refunded.
Do I need to declare donations to my election campaign?
Yes, 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. Find more information at Election campaign donation returns.
