The 2024 local council election will be by post, with the Victorian Electoral Commission mailing out ballot papers from October 7.
The ballot packs will be sent to all enrolled voters.
Each pack will contain a ballot paper, candidate statements and a reply-paid envelope to send your vote back in.
We hear plenty of criticism of council and how the shire is run, so now is your chance to elect the councillors you believe will best represent you and your community for the coming four years.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of local democracy. Ensure your vote is in the mail (or delivered to the election office in Wonthaggi) before 6pm on Friday October 25.
Candidates
This year, 22 candidates have put themselves forward to represent their community on council.
We have invited the seven candidates for Island Ward and the six candidates for Western Port Ward to be part of this election feature, so they can speak directly to you, the voters, and outline their vision and ideas for the future.
As no one from Phillip Island, San Remo or the Waterline area can vote in the Bunurong Ward, we have not included the nine Bunurong candidates in this feature.
A full list of Bass Coast candidates is available at: vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2024-local-council-elections/bass-coast-shire-council/nominations
Remember: if you are enrolled it is compulsory to vote in local government elections.
If your address has changed since the roll closed on August 7, you can contact the VEC to get a replacement ballot pack sent to you.
KEY DATES:
Monday, October 7 - ballot mail out
This year's election is by postal vote and the Victorian Electoral Commission will begin mailing out ballot packs on October 7.
You can post the ballot pack, or drop it into the election office at 74 McBride Avenue (Old Post Office), Wonthaggi.
Friday, October 25 - voting closes 6pm
Your completed ballot must be dropped in the mail or hand delivered to the local election office (74 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi) before 6pm.
Friday, November 1
All postal votes must be received by 12 noon.
Friday, November 15
Election result declared.
More information: vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2024-local-council-elections/bass-coast-shire-council
READ MORE:
Island Ward candidate statements
Western Port Ward candidate statements
Council Watch - Survey results. Read the local candidate responses to a state-wide survey sent out by Council Watch.
READ MORE:
Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group surveyed all candidates
Silverleaves Conservation Association survey of Island Ward candidates