By JESSE GRAHAM
LYSTER Ward residents will be heading to the polls in March to choose a new councillor, following Samantha Dunn’s State Upper House victory late last year.
Yarra Ranges Council announced earlier this month that residents in the ward would be heading to the polls before 28 March for a by-election, with nominations to begin next month.
The by-election follows Cr Dunn’s victory in the Eastern Metropolitan seat in the Victorian Upper House for the Greens Party in the 29 November state election.
New candidates for the election will be able to come forward between 19-24 February, with ballot packs mailed out to eligible voters between 10-12 March.
All votes must be returned by 6pm on Friday 27 March, and Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Corporate Services Troy Edwards encouraged all residents to ensure they were enrolled to vote before the 30 January cut-off date.
“Yarra Ranges Council encourages all eligible voters to participate in elections,” he said.
Mr Edwards said all voters listed on the state electoral role must vote in federal, state and local elections, though those aged over 70 may be excused from voting in council elections.
“Our objective is to have all enrolled voters actually vote in the election for their favourite candidate,” he said.
Anyone listed on the voters’ roll for Yarra Ranges Shire Council is eligible to run for the position of Lyster Ward Councillor, as long as they fit certain criteria.
For example, a person must not be a member of a state, territory or federal parliament or a councillor in another municipality and must be over 18, among other conditions.
Mr Edwards said the by-election process was estimated to cost between $50,000 and $100,000, though the final cost would be determined through the number of candidates and the number of fines for non-voters.
“Given this, we are unable to estimate what the final costs of the by-election will be,” he said.
In a final blog-post on her website, Ms Dunn reflected on her time at the council and thanked those who supported her over the years.
“I thank everybody who’s helped me along the way, there’s been much laughter, some great community outcomes and I’ve made friendships that will endure through time,” she wrote.
Ms Dunn was the council’s longest serving female councillor, after being elected in 2005.
All Lyster Ward voters must be registered by 30 January to be eligible to vote.
For more information on the by-election visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
To update electoral roll details, visit www.vec.vic.gov.au.
