Nepean District by-election announced for May 2026

Friday 13 March 2026

For immediate release


A by-election will be held on Saturday 2 May for Nepean District. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Maree Edwards, MP, issued a writ for the by-election today.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Sam Groth on Friday 13 February.

'Voting is compulsory for all enrolled voters in Nepean District. I urge you to check your enrolment details are current. You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll at 8 pm on Friday 20 March,' Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said.

Voters can enrol or update their enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au, where they can also sign up for the VEC's free SMS and email election reminder service, VoterAlert.

Information about enrolling, voting, and nominating as a candidate is available on the VEC website at vec.vic.gov.au or by calling 131 832.

Timeline for by-election

Issue of writ Friday 13 March
Nominations open Monday 16 March
Close of electoral roll 8 pm Friday 20 March
Close of nominations for registered political party candidates 12 pm Thursday 9 April
Close of nominations for independent candidates 12 pm Friday 10 April
Ballot draw 1 pm Friday 10 April
Registration of how-to-vote-cards opens Monday 13 April
Early voting commences Wednesday 22 April
Registration of how-to-vote cards closes 12 pm Friday 24 April
Close of postal voting applications 6 pm Wednesday 29 April
Early voting closes 6 pm Friday 1 May
ELECTION DAY Saturday 2 May
Last day for votes to be admitted to count Friday 8 May
Return of writ On or before Saturday 23 May