Candidates

To become a candidate in a Council election or by-election, you must be enrolled on the voters’ roll for the election. As Council is divided into 9 wards and you can be a candidate for any of these.

The VEC provide information for candidates and parties on becoming a candidate in a council election or by-election. This covers:

• handbooks and forms
• campaigning
• funding and donations 

Qualifications

To be a candidate for a local council election, you must: 

• be an Australian citizen or an eligible British subject referred to in section 48(1)(a) of the Constitution Act 1975
• be aged 18 years of age
• be enrolled on the voters' roll for the council in which you wish to stand
• have completed the mandatory Local Government Candidate Training if you haven't completed the training in the 2 years before the election day
• not be disqualified from being a councillor. 

The Election Manager appointed by the VEC will reject a nomination from a person who is not enrolled on the voters’ roll for the election. 

Disqualifications

You cannot be a candidate for any of the following reasons: 

• you are an undischarged bankrupt
• you have property that is subject to control under the law relating to bankruptcy
• you are a member of council staff of the council. You can take leave from this role in order to nominate
• you have been convicted of any of the criminal offences referred to in section 34(2) of the Act
• you are a councillor with another council, including interstate councils
• you are member of an Australian Parliament, including the Federal Parliament or a Member of Parliament in any state or territory of the Commonwealth of Australia
• you are employed by a Federal or State Member of Parliament as a Ministerial Officer, a Parliamentary Adviser or an Electorate Officer. You can take leave from these roles in order to nominate
  or
• you are otherwise incapable of becoming or continuing to be a councillor. 

Further details are outlined in the Local Government Act 2020. 

MAV's Stand for Council program

Are you passionate about your local community and have the time and desire to make a difference? 

If the answer to this question is yes, then you may be interested in attending the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) Stand for Council session, taking place at the Lilydale Civic Centre on Thursday 9 May 2024, 6pm-9pm.

This free session, targeted at community members who are interested in running in this year’s Council Election, will provide participants information about:

• Local government and the important role councils play for our local communities
• The role and responsibility of a Councillor, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO
• The election process and candidate requirements 
• What newly elected councillors can expect soon after the elections
• Councillor training and development opportunities 

Visit the MAV website for more information and to register

Alternatively, interested community members can also email them on standforcouncil@mav.asn.au.

MAV’s Citizen to Councillor Guide

The MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide is a comprehensive resource to becoming a local government councillor in Victoria.

From understanding the role of a councillor to navigating the election campaign, the Guide covers every aspect of becoming a local government representative, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of public office.

Read the MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide 2024

VLGA's Standing for Local Government

What do councils do? What is the role of a councillor? How can you represent your community?

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) have lots of information and opportunities for training on their website for community members interested in learning more about what it means to stand for local government, how councils work, the responsibilities of councillors and key issues to consider when considering standing for council. 

Visit the events section of the VLGA website for more information.