Contributor Article

The Electoral Commission of Queensland has given notice for the Mareeba Shire Council postal by-election for Saturday, April 5.

This election will be for a councillor position, following the death of Councillor Kevin Davies earlier this year.

A postal by-election has been approved, which will reduce the cost of the election compared to a regular in-person election.

“I would like to encourage all voters to check their details are up to date and ensure that they have registered a valid postal address by Monday, March 17,” said Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin.

Voters can check and update their details by visiting the Australian Electoral Commission website or by calling 13 23 26.

Key dates:

• Monday, March 10: Notice of the by-election and opening of candidate nominations

• Monday, March 17: Close of the electoral roll – Ensure your details are updated by this date

• Tuesday, March 18: Close of nominations for candidates

• Saturday, April 5: Polling Day – postal ballots must be completed before 6pm, counting will start at 6pm

• Tuesday, April 15: Last day for return of postal votes – all postal votes must be received by

this date, and late postal votes cannot be included in the count.

• Results of the by-election will be announced as soon as possible after polling day.

Once the nominations are finalised, residents will be able to read about the candidates on the  council website.

Candidates can find out more information here: Candidates | Electoral Commission of Queensland. All candidates will be required to complete mandatory training conducted by the State Government Local Government Department, which is available at lgelections.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/signup/email