Free read: Ultimate guide to Central Highlands Regional Council election

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the 2024 Local Government Elections in Central Highlands, the candidates, where to vote, how to vote and pre-polling information.

Everything you need to know about the local government election in the Central Highlands.

Welcome to your free guide to the 2024 Central Highlands Local Government Election.

This guide will contain the candidates, where to vote, how to vote and pre-polling information - as well as where to vote on the day.

Queenslanders will head to the polls on March 16 to decide on the make-up of their local councils for the next four years.

In Australia, voting is not only a right and a responsibility, but it is compulsory for eligible Australian citizens over 18.

If you don’t vote, you could be fined, with fines starting at $66.

PRE-POLLING AND VOTING

Early voting for this year’s local government elections will begin on March 4 and will run until March 15 (excluding weekends).

During early voting polling booth opening times will vary depending on location.

Election day will be on Saturday, March 16 with booths opening from 8am until 6pm.

You can also submit a postal vote, but you have to apply and votes can only be submitted before 6pm on election day.

Postal votes are required to be returned by Tuesday March 26.

Postal votes must be received by the Electoral Commission Queensland within 10 days after election day to be included in the count, if a vote is received after the deadline, it won’t be counted.

The ideal first step for voting in the local elections is to enrol to vote, check your enrolment or update your details on the Australian Electoral Commission website.

If you recently moved house, or have updated other key details it is best to update your enrolment information before the election.

It is compulsory to enrol in council, state and federal government elections if you are an Australian citizen or eligible British subject; are aged 18 years or over; have lived at your address for at least one month.

Special enrolment categories are available for people with specific needs including those who have no fixed address or are an Australian citizen living and working overseas.

For detailed information about the special enrolment options available to you go to the AEC website.

Early voting will be available at Shop 1, 7 Macaulay Rd Emerald, 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday from March 4.

HOW TO VOTE

Once you’re sure your enrolment information is accurate and up-to-date you find out which division you’ll be voting for on the Where is my electorate? page on the AEC website.

Once you know your division, do your research on the candidates for that seat and what they represent.

From there you can find out where your closest polling booth is here.

Polling is typically hosted in local schools or community halls.

For more election facts, head to the AEC website to find out more on common misinformation, frequently asked questions and background data.

ELECTION DAY

Once you have confirmed your electoral information is up-to-date, you’ve done your research on candidates and confirmed your closest polling booth you’re ready to head to the polls on March 16.

When you arrive at a polling booth, head to the issuing officer table where an election official will verify your identity before giving you your ballot paper.

You may be required to confirm your address, so make sure your information is current with the Australian Electoral Commission when doing so.

After that, you’ll be directed to a voting booth where you can cast your ballot in private, take your time and make sure to read the information provided on the ballot slip.

Place your completed ballot paper/s in the ballot box as you leave. Polling officials will be available to provide assistance should you have any questions.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT VOTE

After an election, records are checked and if it appears you have not voted you may receive an apparent failure to vote notice.

This notice will provide you with an opportunity to say if you did or didn’t vote, or why you didn’t vote.

If you receive the notice you can provide your valid reasoning for not casting a vote, confirm that you did cast a vote by providing the appropriate details or pay a fine of one penalty unit at the time of the offence, or half this amount if the fine is paid before the due date.

If you don’t respond to the apparent failure to vote notice, you are likely to receive an infringement notice, which is the fine for not voting.

If the fine is not paid, you may be referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) for further action and additional charges may apply.

CANDIDATES

Mayor

Kerry Hayes

Janice Moriarty

Councillor

Karen Newman

Rachael Cruwys

Craig Hindmarsh

Robert Peter Donaldson

Gai Sypher

Perry Dedes

Gillian Wilkins

Christopher Whiteman

Joseph Burns

Bernadine Frawley

Michael T McDonald

Charles Brimblecombe

Loretta Gaudron