Free read: The complete Fraser Coast Regional Council election guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the 2024 local government elections on the Fraser Coast, the candidates, where to vote, how to vote and early voting information.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council elections will be held on Saturday, 16 March 2024.

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the 2024 local government elections in the Fraser Coast, 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.

Darcy Wain to run for seat in Fraser Coast council election

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 Fraser Coast you will be cast 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.

Alicia Wade to run for Division 6 seat at Fraser Coast council election

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.

Luke Strochnetter to run for Fraser Coast council

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

Early voting

From March 4 early voting can be done at early voting centres in Maryborough and Pialba.

Maryborough early voting centre

413 Kent St, Maryborough, QLD Australia 4650

Pialba early voting centre

Pialba Scout Group, 9 Andrew St, Pialba, QLD Australia 4655

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

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

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.

Councillors announce plans for 2024 elections

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.

Chris Pearse and Greg Watts announce candidacy for Fraser Coast council

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.

Sara Faraj to run for election to Fraser Coast council

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.

Rolf Light to run for council in 2024

Place your completed ballot 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.

Maryborough’s Michelle Byrne nominates for Division 1

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.

Former Mallee MP Andrew Broad to run for Division 7 on the Fraser Coast council

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.

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Originally published as Free read: The complete Fraser Coast Regional Council election guide