Don't Lose Your Right to Vote

Published on 14 June 2024

Mansfield Shire community members are encouraged to check the VEC website to ensure they are entitled to vote in the Mansfield Shire local government elections.

State government changes to the enrolment process have meant that more than 3,000 Mansfield Shire ratepayers whose primary residence is outside of the municipality (non-resident ratepayers) will need to re-enrol to vote.

Mansfield Shire Council recently wrote to 3,494 ratepayers who had been removed from the list of people who are automatically enrolled to vote in the Mansfield Shire Council local government elections, to encourage them to retain their right to vote and apply to be on the roll.

CEO, Kirsten Alexander, said enrolling for council elections means you get to have a say in who represents your community.

“It's your chance to choose candidates who understand and address your local needs, from planning and road management to libraries, sporting fields and environmental issues.

“By being on the voters' roll, you can make sure your voice matters in decisions that impact your community.

“More than 43 percent of Mansfield Shire ratepayers live outside the municipality. That is a large proportion of community members who won’t be automatically be enrolled and retain their right to vote for a candidate that represents their interests.

“So far, not even 150 Mansfield Shire voters out of more than 3,000 removed from the roll have re-enrolled to vote. The roll will close shortly and Council wants to make sure that our community members don’t miss their opportunity to take part in the democratic process.

“Make sure you’re enrolled to vote in Mansfield Shire Council’s local government elections before the roll closes in August.”

Council-Enrolled voter applications are now open until the close of roll, which is expected to be on 7 August 2024. They can be submitted online at mansfield.vic.gov.au/Enrol-to-Vote. Hard copies are available at the municipal office at 33 Highett St Mansfield during business hours.

You are automatically entitled to vote if your primary residence is listed in Mansfield Shire with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC). To check your enrolment status with the VEC visit vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment/check-my-enrolment

For further information on your enrolment status and entitlement contact Council on (03) 5775 8555.