Candidates ready to stand in the upcoming Ararat Rural City Council election are urged to use the Victorian Electoral Commission's (VEC's) newly updated Candidate Helper tool to get their applications ready. Applications can then be submitted when nominations open on Monday 9 September 2024.
The VEC's online Candidate Helper allows candidates to pre-fill their nomination forms before submitting them at their nomination appointment. Prospective candidates are also strongly encouraged to attend one of the scheduled information sessions or watch the online video about nominating as a candidate. The VEC's online Candidate Helper is available at vec.vic.gov.au/council-candidate
Prospective candidates must make an appointment to submit their nomination forms and pay the $250 fee in person during business hours. They must provide evidence that they have completed the online candidate training, as this is required by law and will be shown on each candidate's nomination form.
Candidates must make an appointment to submit their nomination form in person at the election office and can do so now by calling the Candidate Helpline 03 8620 1316 until Monday 9 September 2024. From Monday 9 September candidates can call 131 832 and they will be directed through to the relevant election office.
Nominations close at 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September 2024. Late nominations will not be accepted.
A candidate information session will be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 September 2024 at Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, 31-33 Lambert Street, Ararat.
The mandatory candidate training is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training
