Whittlesea City Council by-election set for May
Thursday 29 January 2026
For immediate release
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is asking residents and ratepayers in Whittlesea City Council, Thomastown Ward to be ready to have their say in the by-election scheduled for May, following the resignation of Councillor Nicholas James Brooks. The by-election will be held by post.
‘You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4 pm on Wednesday 18 March. As this is a postal election, it’s important to check your address details are correct – this includes any alternative postal address,’ Mr Bluemmel said.
‘If you’re an Australian citizen living in Thomastown 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 Thomastown Ward can apply to the council to enrol by calling 03 9217 2170.
As long as they don't have another voting entitlement in Whittlesea 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 18 March.
Owner-ratepayers who were automatically enrolled in Thomastown Ward for the 2024 general election for Whittlesea 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 03 9217 2170
‘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,’ Mr Bluemmel 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 14,000 Victorians are enrolled in Thomastown Ward, which includes Thomastown and surrounds.