Electoral representation reviews

Electoral representation reviews consider the number of councillors and the internal electoral structures of local councils. Each council is reviewed separately before every second council election. Members of the public and groups can contribute submissions at set times in each review.

The reviews aim to provide fair and equitable representation for voters. Considerations include:

• the "one vote, one value" principle;
• similar municipalities across Victoria;
• communities of interest;
• demographics;
• growth potential; and
• any special circumstances in the particular municipality.

Frequently asked questions.
The review process.
Media releases.


The VEC has also conducted electoral subdivision reviews to adjust the location of the ward boundaries for a number of councils.

Current reviews

There are no reviews currently being conducted.

Find out about past reviews.

The review process

1. The VEC conducts research and prepares material for the public.
2. The VEC advertises the review in local media, and holds public information session(s).
3. People can make "preliminary submissions" to contribute their views and local knowledge about any issues relevant to the review. Any person or group, including the Council, can make a submission. People have at least 14 days after the review is advertised to lodge a submission. The VEC recommends consulting the relevant Guide for Submissions first.
4. The VEC creates a number of different options for the municipality's electoral structure. The VEC presents the best options in a Preliminary Report. The VEC chooses these options based on its research, including information presented by the public.
5. People and groups have at least 21 days after the Report is released to make "response submissions".
6. A public hearing is held. People may speak in support of their submissions if they state their intention in response submissions to the Preliminary Report.
7. The VEC prepares a Final Report making recommendations to the Minister for Local Government. The Report is publicly available from this website. See past reports.
8. The Minister for Local Government considers the VEC's recommendations and may make a determination. Any determination applies at the following Council election.