Are you ready to vote in the council elections?

Why should you vote?

Democracy is only as good as the input of the people it serves. So it is incumbent on all of us to have our say in deciding on who will run the show at our local government level.

And the Victorian Electoral Commission has made it easy for us! You will be getting your ballot pack in the post on October 7. Inside you’ll find a ballot paper, where you can tick, in order of preference, who you want representing you. 

Ballot papers need to be posted back in the pre-paid envelope to the Victorian Electoral Commission by 6:00pm October 25 for your vote to count.

Australia really treasures public involvement in the democratic process. So much so that we are the only country that has made it compulsory to vote. The fine for not doing so is $99.

For more information please go to:
vec.vic.gov.au/voting

And for more information in languages other than English, please go to:
vec.vic.gov.au/information-in-your-language

We can help you make an informed choice

Every single candidate in four Council areas was invited to answer nine questions suggested by our readers. 

Most candidates responded to our request, but some declined to comment and others did not call us back. But we did do our best to get responses from every single candidate standing in the four Local Government Areas covered by The Westsider.

What questions did we ask?

1. Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (eg; Labor, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)
2. What is the most important issue facing your electorate?.
3. Should/how can Council support local businesses?
4. Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
5. Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
6. Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
7. What should Council stop spending money on?Answer.
8. Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
9. Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.

Who asked the questions?

The questions were asked by RMIT Journalism Program (BP220) students as part of Journalism Reporting and Writing (COMM2835) listed at the end of this article.

Who sponsored this edition?

This election special is sponsored by The Local Independent Newspapers Association, for whose support we are especially grateful.

RMIT students