As with all Victorian local government authorities, Pyrenees Shire Council will go to the polls in October 2024 to elect its new Councillors for the next four-year term.
These pages should answer all your questions about the upcoming election, but if you need more information or have other queries, refer to the links at the bottom of this page.
On this page:
Council election fast facts
It’s been four years since the last Pyrenees Shire Council election, so here are some facts and figures to refresh your memory.
- Council elections in Victoria are held every four years.
- Councillors are elected for a four-year term.
- Pyrenees Shire is divided into five wards or sections.
- Pyrenees Shire has five Councillors, one elected for each ward.
- Voting in Council elections is compulsory with the fine for failing to vote $96.
- Council election voting is by postal ballot.
- Election day is Saturday 26 October.
- The election results will be declared on Friday 15 November, after which the new councillors will be sworn in and begin their official duties.
Election key dates
Wednesday 7 August, 4pm
Electoral roll closes
Thursday 8 August, 6.30pm
MAV Stand for Council candidate information session, Ballarat and online
Monday 9 September, 9am
Candidate nominations open
Tuesday 17 September, 12pm
Candidate nominations close; election period begins.
Wednesday 18 September
Ballot draw
Monday 7 October
Ballot pack mail-out begins
Friday 25 October, 6pm
Voting closes
Saturday 26 October
Election day; election period ends
Friday 15 November
Election results declared
How voting works
Pyrenees Shire is divided into five (5) wards with one councillor elected for each ward. Residents vote for one Councillor to represent the ward in which they live or own property.
Pyrenees Shire’s ward boundaries have recently changed – you can check these changes at www.maps.vec.vic.gov.au or download a map of the Pyrenees Shire wards and outer boundaries(PDF, 3MB).
Read Pyrenees Shire Council's election profile on the Victorian Electoral Commission's website.
Council election voting is by postal ballot so there is no need to head to a voting centre on Saturday October 26. Ballot packs, including a reply paid envelope, will be mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October. Ballot papers must be returned to the Victorian Electoral Commission by, or be postmarked before, 6pm on Friday 25 October.
The voter roll is managed by the Victorian Electoral Commission and will close on Wednesday 7 August, so it’s important to update your details before then. Contact the VEC to do this: www.vec.vic.gov.au or phone 131 832.
Like other elections in Australia, voting in local Council elections is compulsory. You may receive a fine if you’re enrolled to vote but do not return your ballot by the deadline. You can also be fined for failing to enrol to vote.
The fine for failing to vote in an election, including Council elections, is $96. More information about failure to vote fines can be found at www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/fines-and-reviews
Council election period arrangements
The “election period” – formerly known as “caretaker period” – begins on Tuesday 17 September and ends on election day, Saturday 26 October.
During the election period the Council as an organisation will continue to operate as normal, but there are restrictions placed on decision making and the information Council can communicate during this time. This is to ensure Council as an organisation does not do anything that might influence voting in the election.
These restrictions are outlined in the Pyrenees Shire Council Election Period Policy(PDF, 377KB) and the Local Government Act 2020.
During the election period, Pyrenees Shire Council is required to apply restrictions and limitations to activities including (but not limited to):
- Engagement and consultation with the community.
- Social media posts and comments.
- Communication with the community including newsletters and advertising.
- Adopting policies and strategies.
- Allocating grants to community organisations
- Major decisions such as planning scheme amendments and advocacy positions.
Stand for Council
Democracy in a local setting hinges on elected councils representing the diverse needs and aspirations of our community. This year’s council election is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real, lasting difference by putting your hand up and nominating for election to council.
In partnership with Pyrenees Shire Council, the Municipal Association of Victoria is delivering a number of information sessions for the community and prospective candidates to find out more about standing for election. These sessions, including one in Ballarat on August 8 (details below) can be attended either in-person or online.
There is also a wealth of information about nominating for election that is available at these links:
Mandatory candidate training
If you are nominating for election to Council, it’s important to know that all candidates must complete the online Local Government Candidate Training course before doing so. You can complete the training, which takes around an hour, on the Local Government Victoria website.
Stand for Council community and prospective candidate information session – Ballarat and online
Date: Thursday 8 August 2024
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Trench Room, Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central or online
Register: On the MAV website
Interested members of the community as well as prospective candidates are welcome to attend this session, which will cover topics including:
- The electoral process.
- The role of local government.
- The role of the mayor and councillors.
- Campaign tips.
- A panel discussion with council CEOs including Pyrenees CEO Jim Nolan
- An opportunity to ask questions.
You can attend this free session in person or online.
Stand for Council LGBTIQA+ candidate information session – St Kilda and online
Date: Monday 19 August 2024
Time: 5:45pm to 8:15pm
Location: Victorian Pride Centre, 79/81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda or online
Register: On the MAV website
This free session will feature a keynote address by Rodney Croome AM, a distinguished advocate for LGBTIQA+ rights, and a panel discussion with former Councillors Steph Amir and Jan Farrell. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear from experienced community members and connect with potential candidates.
Increased inclusivity and enhanced representation within our councils helps build safer and stronger communities.
With the recent protests against LGBTIQA+ community events, we also want to remind you that you can request the Rainbow Community Angels via their website and under "Request the Angels" on the home page.
More information
Click on these links to find out more about the election process, voting and how to nominate for council election.
Municipal Association of Victoria
Local Government Victoria
Victorian Local Government Association
Women for Election
Victorian Electoral Commission