Election report reveals increased voter participation
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02/06/2023
A report in Tuesday night’s council meeting agenda has revealed that more community members cast a vote in last year’s Greater Geelong City Council election than in 2017.
The local government elections in Victoria were run by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) and held via a postal vote in October 2020 against a backdrop of COVID-19 restrictions aimed at protecting community health and safety.
Council will be asked to note the VEC’s report into the region’s general election a requirement of the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2020.
There were 39 nominated candidates in the Bellarine Brownbill Kardinia and Windermere wards including 11 female candidates and those from diverse backgrounds.
According to the report there were 204 092 enrolled voters in the Geelong region and the overall participation rate was 86.16 per cent.
This figure is higher than the state average of 84.12 per cent (excluding Melbourne City Council) and more than the 79.73 per cent participation rate from 2017.
The report states that fewer community members cast an informal vote in 2020 than during the 2017 election in which a ballot paper isn’t filled out correctly.
Members of the community are welcome to attend. In line with COVID-safe guidelines space is limited and registration is essential via www.geelongaustralia.com.au/meetings.
The full agenda is now available on the website and for those unable to attend the meeting will be live streamed from 6pm Tuesday.
The local government elections in Victoria were run by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) and held via a postal vote in October 2020 against a backdrop of COVID-19 restrictions aimed at protecting community health and safety.
Council will be asked to note the VEC’s report into the region’s general election a requirement of the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2020.
There were 39 nominated candidates in the Bellarine Brownbill Kardinia and Windermere wards including 11 female candidates and those from diverse backgrounds.
According to the report there were 204 092 enrolled voters in the Geelong region and the overall participation rate was 86.16 per cent.
This figure is higher than the state average of 84.12 per cent (excluding Melbourne City Council) and more than the 79.73 per cent participation rate from 2017.
The report states that fewer community members cast an informal vote in 2020 than during the 2017 election in which a ballot paper isn’t filled out correctly.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the COVID-19 pandemic led to a lot of uncertainties including around the local government elections.
The council group looks forward to discussing the report’s outcomes.
Community members were clearly very engaged in helping to shape the Council despite the COVID-19 restrictions that meant candidates had to find new ways to reach voters.
City of Greater Geelong CEO Martin Cutter said last year’s council election was like none other.
I’m pleased the COVID-19 restrictions didn’t lead to a downturn in participation and that the community embraced the opportunity to have its say on the 11 councillors to lead our region for this four-year term.Tuesday’s council meeting will start at 6pm at Portarlington Parks Hall on 87 Newcombe Street following an informal meet-and-greet opportunity with councillors from 5.30pm.
Members of the community are welcome to attend. In line with COVID-safe guidelines space is limited and registration is essential via www.geelongaustralia.com.au/meetings.
The full agenda is now available on the website and for those unable to attend the meeting will be live streamed from 6pm Tuesday.