Kingston City Council by-election set for August

Wednesday 15 April 2026

For immediate release

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Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming is asking residents and ratepayers in Kingston City Council's Melaleuca Ward to be ready to have their say in the by-election scheduled for August, following the resignation of Councillor Tess Law.

The by-election will be held by post.

'You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4 pm on Wednesday 20 May. As this is a postal election, it's important to check your address details are correct - this includes any alternative postal address,' Ms Fleming said.

'If you're an Australian citizen living in Melaleuca Ward and you've recently turned 18 or moved, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment'.

Ratepayers in Melaleuca Ward can apply to the council to enrol by calling 1300 653 356. As long as they don't have another voting entitlement in Kingston City Council and pay rates, property owners or occupiers and corporations can apply to be enrolled, even if they are not a citizen. Applications close at 4 pm on Wednesday 20 May.

Owner-ratepayers who were automatically enrolled in Melaleuca Ward for the 2024 general election for Kingston City Council will continue to be enrolled for the by-election, unless their circumstances have changed. Council-enrolled voters can check their enrolment by calling the council on 1300 653 356.

'Voting in local council elections is compulsory if you are enrolled. We encourage ratepayers who are eligible to apply to vote to participate in their democracy,' Ms Fleming said.

'Your local council makes important decisions about your community services and businesses, so it's important to have your say by voting in this by-election.'

Around 11,000 Victorians are enrolled in Melaleuca Ward, which includes Mentone, Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Cheltenham, Dingley Village, Chelsea, and Patterson Lakes.