THE Victorian election race has officially started, the contenders are off and running and it is expected to be a photo finish at the end between the three leading candidates; Brett Tessari (Nationals), Jordan Crugnale (ALP), and Aaron Brown (Liberals).
But the Greens’ candidate Callum Bugbird, Animal Justice Party candidate Elly Mousellis and what could be a 'Melbourne Cup field' of Independents are also expected to have a role to play in the final outcome.
Key dates
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Nominations open on Wednesday, November 2
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Enrol to vote or change address by Tuesday, November 8 at 8pm. Go to: http://https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment/enrol-to-vote
- Candidate nominations close November 10 (parties), November 11 (independents)
- Early voting starts Monday, November 14
- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 – ELECTION DAY (Voting from 8am to 6pm)
On Tuesday this week, November 1, the Hon. Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, issued the writs for the Victorian State election, ending the 59th Parliament and formally triggering the election process.
The writs will be returned by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) – the independent and impartial umpire responsible for delivering the State election – after all results are declared, with the names of successful candidates published.
The number of people on the electoral roll has increased by about 235,500 people since the last State election in 2018, so nearly 4.4 million Victorians will be casting their vote on or before election day.
“Every vote matters,” said Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately.
“Voters should be aware of the voting options available and make a plan if they are unable to vote on Saturday, November 26.
“An increased number of early voting centres will be open from Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 25 all around Victoria, and at a number of interstate locations,” Mr Gately said.
It is expected that half of eligible voters will have cast their vote early.
“You can also apply for a postal vote if you can’t make it to a voting centre or you would just prefer to vote by post,” said the Electoral Commissioner.
Telephone-assisted voting will also be available to voters who are blind, have low vision or those who have a physical disability and require assistance to vote from November 14 through to 6 pm on election day.
Voters in areas impacted by floods occurring unable to access a voting centre from Saturday, November 19 to 6pm on Saturday, November 26 will also be able to both register and vote using telephone assisted voting.
Never too old
Voters are also reminded that there is no cut-off age for voting in Victoria.
“Voting is a privilege that all eligible Victorians have, but also a responsibility,” Mr Gately said.
“If you’re on the roll, you’re expected to vote,” he said.
Victorians have until 8pm on Tuesday, November 8 to enrol or update their details, which they can do on the VEC website at vec.vic.gov.au.
