Watchdog probes doubts over postal votes in Melbourne lord mayor by-election

CLAIMS thousands of voters were unable to cast their vote in Melbourne’s lord mayor by-election in May are being investigated by the local government watchdog as runner-up Jennifer Yang calls for an overhaul of the electoral system.

CLAIMS thousands of voters were unable to cast their vote in Melbourne’s lord mayor by-election in May are being investigated by the local government watchdog.

Chief Municipal Inspector David Wolf said an investigation had begun after information was received in early June about the postal election held on May 22.

Concerns have been raised that about 8000 non-resident property owners either did not receive their ballot packs or did not have enough time to return their votes.

POSTAL DOUBTS AT ELECTION

SALLY CAPP’S $330K DONATIONS

MAYOR REVEALS LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT

Many property owners are listed on the electoral roll care of a real estate agent, lawyer or property manager.

Election runner-up Jennifer Yang has called for an overhaul of the electoral system.

Ms Yang, a former Manningham mayor, lost to Sally Capp 53 per cent to 47 per cent after preferences.

The winning margin was just 4666 votes from the 76,492 formal votes cast.

Melbourne Lord Mayor candidate Jennifer Yang. Picture: Aaron Francis

The Victorian Electoral Commission handles council elections but the Local Government Inspectorate can look into breaches of electoral rules.

Mr Wolf confirmed the inspectorate was examining the postal ballot procedures.

“We are working with the VEC on these ballot paper issues related to the Lord Mayor election and will advise when the investigation has concluded,’’ Mr Wolf said.

Sally Capp won the election from a field of 14 candidates. Picture: AAP

The VEC mailed ballot packs from April 23 to be returned and in the post by May 11 — a maximum of 15 business days.

Ms Yang cannot appeal the result because any objection has to be lodged within 14 days of the declared result.

Greens councillor Rohan Leppert, who also contested the Lord Mayor poll, said the city’s electoral system “created a heightened risk of fraud”.

Cr Capp is on leave.

[e-mail]

@IanRoyall