The Victorian Electoral Commission is reminding Hindmarsh residents in the North (Jeparit and Rainbow) and West (Nhill) wards that they have until 6pm next Friday 23rd October to return their completed ballot material.

Completed ballot material must be posted before final local mail clearance times. Voters should check their local mail clearance times, as this may be earlier than 6pm or earlier in the week. Alternatively, voters can hand-deliver their ballot material by the 6pm deadline to the Election Manager at the election office located at Jeparit Hall, 10–12 Roy Street, Jeparit.

The number of candidates that nominated for East Ward in Hindmarsh Shire Council was less than the number of vacancies to be filled. As a result, no voting will be required for East Ward. The sole candidate, Debra Nelson, will be declared elected on or after election day and a by-election will be held at a later date to fill the remaining vacancy.

Elections for the two remaining wards will proceed as scheduled.

Voters who still haven’t received their ballot pack by this Friday 16th October should call the election office immediately on 1300 112 757 to arrange a replacement.

Extended hours for voters to hand-deliver their completed ballot material apply from 9am to 8pm on Thursday 22nd October and 9am to 6pm on Friday 23rd October.

Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the State roll for this general election at 4pm Friday 28th August and Council-enrolled voters are encouraged to vote. State-enrolled voters who don’t vote may be fined.