Thursday, 27 August 2009
Embargoed until Monday, 31 August 2009
Voters enrolled in Strathbogie Shire Council’s Hughes
Creek Ward will start to receive their ballot packs this week, as voting in
the by-election begins.
Ballot packs are
being mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday, 1 September.
Voting is compulsory for all residents under 70 who were on the voters
roll for Hughes Creek Ward on Friday, 24 July. This includes homeowners and
tenants. Enrolled residents
who fail to vote may be fined.
All completed ballot papers must reach the Returning Officer by 6.00pm
on Friday, 18 September or they will not be counted.
“Ballot papers can be completed and returned as soon as they arrive,”
said Returning Officer Dianne McMillan.
“Voters should carefully read and follow the instructions in the ballot
pack to ensure they fill out their ballot paper correctly.”
Voters who haven’t
received their ballot pack by Wednesday, 9 September should contact the
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) on 13 18 32 for a replacement.
There are two candidates contesting the
by-election. The councillor elected at the by-election will represent Hughes
Creek Ward until the next council elections in November 2012.
For further information, voters can telephone the VEC on 13 18 32 or
visit www.vec.vic.gov.au
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