Free read: The ultimate South Burnett Regional Council election guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the 2024 local government elections in the South Burnett, the candidates, where to vote, how to vote and early voting information.

Voting at Logan City Council elections at Daisy Hill State School at 3.00pm, Saturday, March 28, 2020 (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the 2024 local government elections in the South Burnett, the candidates, where to vote, how to vote and early voting information.

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

In Australia, voting is not only a right and a responsibility, it is also compulsory for eligible Australian citizens aged 18 or older.

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

Before you 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; or 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.

How to vote

Once you are sure your enrolment information is accurate and up-to-date, you can find out which division of the South Burnett region you will be casting your vote for.

Head to the ‘where is my electorate?’ page from the AEC, type in your address and remember to switch the tab to Local Government.

Once you have confirmed your division, do your research and find out who is running for that seat and what they represent.

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.

(AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Early voting

From Monday, March 4 early voting can be done at early voting centres in Nanango, Kingaroy, Blackbutt and Murgon.

Early voting centres will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm* up until Friday, March 15, 2024.

*On March 15, polling will be open until 6pm at all early voting centres.

Nanango early voting centre

South Burnett Regional Council

48 Drayton St, Nanango, Qld Australia 4615

Kingaroy LG returning officer South Burnett early voting

South Burnett Regional Council – Reception Room

45 Glendon St, Kingaroy, Qld Australia 4610

Blackbutt early voting centre

Blackbutt Library

Murgon early voting centre

South Burnett Regional Council

42 Stephens St, Murgon, Qld Australia 4605

Postal Voting

Anyone can submit a postal vote, but you need to apply here.

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.

Election day, March 16, 2024

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 in the ballot box as you leave.

Polling officials will be available to provide assistance should you have any questions.

Photo: NewsCorp

List of candidates

Here is the list of candidates in the order they will be presented on the ballot:

Mayor candidates

Kirstie Schumacher

Kathy Duff

Tom Wilson

Gavin Jones

Division 1

Tom De Weers

Jane Erkens

Division 2

Linda Little

Douglas Grant

Wendy Hazelton

Division 3

Danita Potter (unopposed)

Division 4

Gerald Daly

Seth Schuback

Dan Andersson

Heidi Westbrook

Deb Dennien

Division 5

Stuart Battese

Allan Walters

Heath Sander

Division 6

Scott Henschen

Ros Heit

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.