Introduction

In Queensland full local government elections are held every four years usually on the last Saturday of March in the election year. The next quadrennial elections will be held on 31 March 2012. On that date, elections for councillors and mayors will be held in all 73 local government areas across Queensland. Local government councillors are elected by voters on the electoral roll for the local government area.

By-elections may be held at particular times in the election cycle to fill a vacancy in the office of a mayor or councillor. The Electoral Commission of Queensland is responsible for the conduct of all local government elections including by-elections.

Role of ECQ

ECQ has responsibility for the conduct of the elections including decisions about election protocols and the appointment of returning officers assistant returning officers for each local government area. The ECQ website is an important source for current information about local government elections.

Role of the Returning officer

The ECQ will appoint returning officers and assistant returning officers for each local government area. These officers will be charged with responsibility for the smooth conduct of the election in each local government area and will manage and accept nominations.

When the election notice has been published and the nomination date advertised the returning officer will be able to provide advice and information regarding nomination procedures and processes, election gift disclosure and Election Day procedures.

Voting systems

For a local government area divided into single-member divisions the optional preferential voting system is used. In all other cases the first-past-the-post voting system is followed. Local government mayors are elected through first-past-the-post voting.

Ballot papers

The ballot paper must state the name of the candidate and if nominated by a political party, the name of the party must be printed adjacent to the name. Similarly, if the candidate is a member of a group, the name of the group will be printed on the ballot paper adjacent to the candidate’s name.

Ballot papers

The ballot paper must state the name of the candidate and if nominated by a political party, the name of the party must be printed adjacent to the name. Similarly, if the candidate is a member of a group, the name of the group will be printed on the ballot paper adjacent to the candidate’s name.

Election Day

The returning Officer determines the location and number of polling booths and ensures that each polling booth is provided with enough ballot boxes, ballot papers and materials to enable a fair election.

The returning officer must ensure that each polling booth for an election is provided with enough voting compartments, or other suitable facilities, to allow the casting of votes in private.

Issuing officers are appointed to hand out ballot papers and to mark the election roll. On Election Day, polling places open at 8 am and close ant 6 pm.

Declaration of the Polls

Official counting begins as soon as practicable after the close of the polls. The returning officer must follow particular procedures for counting the votes which is usually done in the presence of the candidates or scrutineers if they wish to attend.

The procedures for counting and determining the successful candidates will vary according to the voting system i.e. optional preferential or first- past - the – post.

When the result of the poll for the election is known, the returning officer must advise the advice the Electoral Commissioner. ECQ will then declare by public notice the result of the poll and the names of each names of each candidate who has been elected.

The electoral commission must notify all candidates of the final result of the poll.

Further information

Further information about the conduct of local government elections can be found by visiting the Electoral Commission of Queensland’s website.

The Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 are available at the Queensland Legislation website.