Step-by-step
1:Check Eligibility
Are you:
Interested in improving your community?
An Australian citizen?
18 years +?
A resident or ratepayer in the area you want to run?
2:Where will you run?
What council area do you live in?
What ward do you live in?
Would you run in this ward, or is there another one in which you have better connections?
Who are your current councillors?
3:Nomination
Sign the declaration on the nomination form in front of the Election Manager
At least 32 days before the election.
Pay a nomination fee of $250 (which is refundable if the candidate is elected or gains at least 4% of the first preference votes in the election).
4:Your Candidacy
Establish why you want to run.
Establish why you think you would be a good cllr.
Understand what community groups already exist and what they are aiming to achieve.
Develop a platform: decide which local issues will you focus on.
5:Campaign
Leverage local connections e.g. via schools, local groups, sports clubs etc.
Promote yourself via traditional and social media.
Fundraise and doorknock.
Ensure you keep a record of donations
6:Election Day
Familiarise yourself with the processes of your council’s counting assurance.
Develop a platform: decide which local issues will you focus on.
Candidate Checklist
Download this checklist and tick along as you go (yes, the little boxes are responsive!)
Other resources to check out
Your Campaign Toolkit, VLGA here
Candidate Helper, VEC here
Your Council Election information, VEC here
Know Your Council, Victoria State Government here
Candidate Training, Victoria State Government here
It’s Our Time (women in Local Council) here
Safe campaigning guidelines for Metropolitan Melbourne here & regional Victoria here