The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) said candidate nominations are now open for a councillor position with the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council following the creation of a vacancy on Tuesday 16 November 2021.
Commissioner Pat Vidgen said early voting for Kowanyama’s around 700 electors will be from 9am to 6pm on Friday 14 January, with election day voting from 8am to 6pm on Saturday 15 January 2022.
“Anyone interested in becoming a candidate must have completed and lodged their nomination form with the Returning Officer or the ECQ by noon on Thursday 23 December 2021.
“Nomination forms and information about becoming a candidate are available on the ECQ’s website.”
Mr Vidgen said it is important not to leave nominating until the last minute as there are some important requirements to meet.
“Under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 there are several steps a candidate must take when nominating.
“Potential candidates need to make sure they are eligible to nominate, complete free mandatory online training through the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning website, pay a $250 deposit, and open a dedicated campaign bank account.
“A full list of requirements is on the ECQ’s website under the Election Participants page, and I encourage anyone interested in running in this councillor by-election to check this page and nominate as soon as possible.”
Mr Vidgen said now was a great time to ensure Kowanyama electors are correctly enrolled.
“Enrolling or updating your enrolment is easy and can be done online in a few minutes.
“Anyone who has moved recently, or has just turned 18, should make sure they’re correctly enrolled by going to aec.gov.au.
“I remind electors, voting is compulsory at all levels of government in Queensland.”
Electors interesting in applying for a postal vote can do so online now and applications must be received by the ECQ prior to 7pm on Monday 3 January 2022.
All voting must be completed by 6pm on election day with the deadline for the return of postal votes on Tuesday 25 January 2022.
In accordance with section 65 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, the voting system is first-past-the-post as is required for undivided council elections. There is only one candidate to be elected in this by-election and this means only one box must be marked on the ballot paper for the vote to count.
Voting information including locations and times, is available at ecq.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 881 665.
| Election Timetable | |
| Notice of election and opening of candidate nominations | Monday 13 December 2021 |
| Close of electoral roll | Monday 20 December 2021 |
| Close of nominations | 12:00pm Thursday 23 December 2021 |
| Ballot paper order draw | 2:30pm Thursday 23 December 2021 |
| Close of postal vote applications | 7:00pm Monday 3 January 2022 |
| Early voting | 9:00am – 6:00pm Friday 14 January 2022 |
| Election day | 8:00am – 6:00pm Saturday 15 January 2022 |
| Deadline for the return of postal votes | Tuesday 25 January 2022 |
| Returning Officer | Natalie Beattie |
| Media Contact | media@ecq.qld.gov.au, 0438 120 699 |
| General Enquiries | 1300 881 665 |
- Make sure you’re correctly enrolled at aec.gov.au
- Learn more about the Mandatory candidate training
- Read the Candidate Handbook for Local Government Quadrennial Elections and By-elections
- Candidate nominations through the ECQ Self Service Portal
- Nomination form – non-endorsed candidate | Nomination form – endorsed candidate
- A map of the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council can be found on the ECQ’s website under Local government area boundaries
- The ECQ’s media statements are at ecq.qld.gov.au/media