The fate of October’s local council postal-vote election is still unknown, with calls to delay the vote.
According to the MAV president, Cr Coral Ross, who is calling for the election to be pushed back 12 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ability for candidates to campaign and consult with their communities on vital issues.
“Following a survey of all councils and CEOs earlier this year, the MAV called for a 12-month deferral of council elections, currently scheduled for October 2020,” Ms Ross said.
“With the current increase in COVID-19 numbers and the subsequent wide-scale lockdown, we are calling on the Minister to reconsider holding council elections in October this year.”
Local Government Minister, Shaun Leane, was contacted for comment, however The Adviser was referred to comments made by the Premier, Daniel Andrews, last week, who said there had been discussions over the issue, but no decision made.
Asked where Greater Shepparton City Council stood on the issue, director corporate services, Chris Teitzel, said in a statement, “The timing of the Local Government Elections is a matter for the State Government to consider, and currently the election date is set for 24 October 2020.
“Council is assisting the Victorian Electoral Commission wherever possible to ensure the elections run smoothly for Greater Shepparton.”
