Suspected vote tampering in the Kingston City Council by-election
Friday 14 August 2026
For immediate release
Nikki Kaur has been declared elected to Kingston City Council's Melaleuca Ward in a by-election held to fill an extraordinary vacancy.
Election Manager Rod Van Cooten declared the result at 10 am on Friday 14 August at the election office at 1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham.
However, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has today referred matters concerning postal voting in the by-election to Victoria's Local Government Inspectorate after irregularities were identified during routine election integrity checks.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the VEC takes any allegation of interference with a person's vote seriously.
'The integrity of Victoria's elections is fundamental to public confidence in our democracy,' Mr Bluemmel said.
'Victorians have the right to cast their vote freely. Any attempts to undermine that right must be taken seriously and appropriately investigated.'
The VEC's focus is on ensuring the integrity and validity of the election. Any question of criminality is a matter for the relevant authorities.
'We will fully cooperate with and support any investigation undertaken by the appropriate agencies,' Mr Bluemmel said. 'Anyone with information about suspected interference in the Melaleuca Ward by-election should report it to the Local Government Inspectorate.'
Given the allegations of election interference, the VEC will also apply for an inquiry into the validity of the election through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The VEC will not provide additional commentary on specific matters referred to the Local Government Inspectorate or before VCAT.
Voters can ask for assistance with postal voting if required, including help to return a completed ballot pack. However, voters must make their own voting decisions, and electoral laws prohibit interference, coercion or improperly completing a ballot on another person's behalf.
For a full list of results, visit vec.vic.gov.au.