Free read: The ultimate North Burnett Regional Council election guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the 2024 local government elections in the North Burnett, the candidates, how to vote and the ballot draw.

Everything you need to know about the upcoming North Burnett Regional Council election.

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

Queensland voters will head to the polls on March 16 to decide the make-up of their 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.

Pre-polling and voting in 2024 North Burnett council election

The region of the North Burnett will be taking part in the Local Government election as a wholly postal vote.

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

Postal votes must be received by the ECQ by March 26, 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.

Robbie Radel to run for North Burnett council top job

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.

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.

North Burnett council election 2024: Who are the candidates so far?

Ballot Order

Council candidates came together for the official draw of the March 16 ballot paper order on Wednesday, February 14.

Challengers took the first spot in four out of six divisions, with the incumbent mayor taking the number one slot for the draw.

Mayoral candidates in order they will appear on the ballot paper:

1. Les Hotz

2. Robbie Radel

3. Peter Huth

Division 1:

1. David Rofe

2. Melinda Jones

Division 2:

1. Trina Vaughan

2. Kingsley Mesner

3. Malitha Guiney

Division 3:

1. Susan Payne

Division 4:

1. Dael Giddins

2. Renee McGilvery

Division 5:

1. Kris Coeurleroi

2. Michael Dingle

Division 6:

1. Martin Glen

2. Eddie Chandler

3. Moira Thompson

4. Michelle Bailey

Guide to 2024 council elections in Wide Bay Burnett, Qld

Originally published as Free read: The ultimate North Burnett Regional Council election guide