Definition of a candidate

A candidate is a person who announces their candidature in a local government election and who at noon on the nomination day for the election is properly nominated.

Nominating for the 2012 local government elections?

The 2012 local government elections and all future elections including by-elections will be conducted by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ).

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.

To obtain up to date advice about election processes and about nominating for elections, intending candidates need to contact the appointed Returning Officer for their local government area.

The Returning Officer will provide information and advice to intending candidates regarding:

• nomination procedures
• nomination deposit
• nomination place
• nomination date
• group of candidates’ record of membership and appointment of group’s agent

Conduct of candidates

Candidates are expected to conduct their campaigns in a way that maintains and strengthens the public’s trust and confidence in the democratic election process. Their behaviour should promote integrity in our local government electoral system.

It is important that all candidates understand and demonstrate ethical and lawful conduct in the lead up to the local government election. Candidates are expected to adhere to the following five principles that govern local government in Queensland.

• Transparent and effective processes and decision-making in the public interest.
• Sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services.
• Democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement.
• Good governance of, and by, local government.
• Ethical and legal behaviour of councillors and local government employees.

The election campaign

After nominating for the local government election candidates or groups of candidates will need to develop a campaign strategy.

The campaign strategy will outline actions such as:

• Identify activities and responsible person(s).
• Set budget and timeframes.
• Plan advertising and promotions.
• Design how to vote cards and other advertising material. Note that government Electoral Act 2011. these materials must comply with requirements set out in the Local
  • 178 Distribution of how-to-vote cards

    178 Distribution of how-to-vote cards (1) During the election period for an election, a person must not distribute, or allow or authorise another person to distribute, a how-to-vote card that does not comply with subsections (2) to (5). Maximum penalty— (a) for an individual—20 penalty units; or (b) for a corporation—85 penalty units. (2) A how-to-vote card must state the name and address of the person who authorised the card. (3) A how-to-vote card must also state— (a) if the card is authorised for a political party or a candidate endorsed by a political party—the party’s name; or Example for paragraph (a)— ‘Authorised P. Smith, 123 Main Street Brisbane for [name of political party]’ (b) if paragraph (a) does not apply and the card is authorised for a group of candidates or for a candidate who is a member of a group of candidates—the group’s name; or Example for paragraph (b)— ‘Authorised M. Taylor, 99 King Street Port Douglas for [name of group]’ (c) otherwise—the candidate’s name and the word ‘candidate’. Example for paragraph (c)— ‘Authorised R. Jones, 88 Queen Street Brisbane for R. Jones (candidate)’ (4) For subsection (2)— (a) the address must not be a post office box; and (b) if the card is authorised for a group of candidates or for a candidate who is a member of a group of candidates, the authorising person must be a member of the group. (5) The particulars mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) must appear— (a) at the end of each side of the how-to-vote card that contains print; and (b) in prominent and legible characters in print no smaller than— (i) if the card is not larger than A6—10 point; or (ii) if the card is larger than A6 but not larger than A3—14 point; or (iii) if the card is larger than A3—20 point. (6) During the election period for an election, a person must not distribute, or allow or authorise another person to distribute, a how-to-vote card if the person knows, or ought reasonably to know, that the particulars, or any of the particulars, mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) on the card are false. Maximum penalty— (a) for an individual—20 penalty units; or (b) for a corporation—85 penalty units.

• Concerns or questions regarding the conduct of the election can be discussed with the either ECQ or the local Returning Officer once appointed.

Campaign account: disclosure requirements

A candidate and a group of candidates must establish an account (an election account) for any monies received or spent for the conduct of the candidate’s campaign during an election. Candidates must take all reasonable steps to ensure an account is set up and used for the campaign. In addition, a candidate must advise any person making a donation to their campaign about potential requirements to complete an election gift disclosure form.