Local government
by-elections 2024
The questions and answers provided below will be regularly updated during the 2024 Glenorchy City Council and Sorell Council by-elections (and elector poll).
Is voting compulsory?
Yes, voting in these local government elections is compulsory for all electors on the State Roll who are enrolled in the Glenorchy City and Sorell councils.
It is not compulsory for those on the General Manager's Roll. The Glenorchy City elector poll is not compulsory.
To avoid a fine and ensure you have your say, the TEC encourages electors to complete and return all ballot papers.
What are the ways to vote?
Local government elections in Tasmania are conducted by postal ballot. Every elector will be sent a ballot pack in the mail to their postal address.
Ballot packs will be sent out during the week commencing Monday 3 June. Electors who will be away during the polling period will be able to request a supplementary ballot pack be sent to a nominated address.
Unlike parliamentary elections, there will be no option to vote in person at a polling place.
With the support of the Glenorchy City and Sorell councils, the TEC will be providing an Impartial Assisted Voting Service for those with vision impairment or low vision.
How do I fill out my ballot papers?
For this mayor and councillor by-election, electors will be instructed on each ballot paper to "Number the boxes from 1 to [the total number of candidates for an election] in order of your choice"..."Number at least one box to make your vote count".
For the Glenorchy elector poll, information will appear in the back of the candidate statements booklet and a separate ballot paper will be provided, presenting two questions, asking electors to respond by writing "YES" or "NO" in the box provided underneath each question.
I am unable to vote. What do I do?
If you will be away from home and unable to receive your ballot pack during the polling period, you can request a supplementary ballot pack be sent to an alternative address.
Please consider postal schedules when making these arrangements. Requests for a supplementary pack sent by post can be made until 3 pm on Friday 14 June.
If there is any other reason you're unable to vote, please don't contact the TEC now; you will receive a letter after the election. You can advise us of your valid and sufficient reason for not voting by responding to this letter.
How can I find out where I am enrolled?
Visit Check my enrolment on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
Please note that rolls for this election closed 6 pm Thursday 23 May 2024. You will be required to vote under the enrolment details recorded as at that time.
How can I update my enrolment?
Visit Update my enrolment on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
Please note that rolls for this election closed at 6 pm Thursday 23 May 2024. You will be required to vote under the enrolment details recorded as at that time.
Are there any maps available showing the boundaries of local government areas?
Yes. Statewide map [PDF, 2.0MB]
The TEC also has a search tool that can be used to discover which division or council an address is in.
Who do I notify when a relative has recently passed away?
Use this form on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
What are the rules around placement of posters?
The placement of posters and signs at local government elections does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Tasmanian Electoral Commission.
However, many Tasmanian councils have specific planning schemes and by-laws regulating the placement and size of election posters. Candidates are advised to check with their relevant councils prior to erecting posters and any complaints over size and placement of signs should also be directed towards the relevant councils.
Permission to display posters on private property must always be obtained from the owner of the land concerned.
Before placing posters on public property (e.g. fences or trees) it is advisable to obtain permission from the responsible bodies such as local government (individual councils), the Department of State Growth, etc.
What are the rules around electoral roadside signs?
The Tasmanian Roadside Signs Manual produced by the Department of State Growth contains the following information in relation to electoral signs:
The erection or display of electoral advertising signs within State and Local Government Roads is prohibited. The provisions of Local Authority Planning Schemes and Bylaws make adequate provision for such advertising.
Queries regarding roadside signs should be directed to the Department of State Growth.
Is it an offence to place electoral matter on electricity poles?
It is an offence under section 109(1)(a) of the Electricity Supply Industry Act 1995 to attach anything to a power pole without proper authority.
The penalty for an offence under this section is a fine of up to 50 penalty units for an individual or 100 penalty units for a body corporate.
Queries or complaints related to material being attached to electricity power poles should be directed to TasNetworks.
Is it an offence to display electronic billboards?
The Department of State Growth has produced the Tasmanian Roadside Signs Manual (June 2015). The manual contains the following information in relation to electoral signs:
The erection or display of electoral advertising signs within State and Local Government Roads is prohibited. The provisions of Local Authority Planning Schemes and Bylaws make adequate provision for such advertising.
It is also an offence under section 78(1) of the Traffic Act 1925 for a person to:
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.
Queries or complaints related to roadside signs or electronic billboards should be directed to the Department of State Growth.
When will we know who has been elected?
Polling closes at 2 pm Thursday 20 June 2024, with the remainder of the afternoon used to process returns and prepare for counting to commence the next morning. Progressive results will be available on the TEC website from mid-morning on Friday 21 June and it is anticipated that counting will be completed later that day.
How are the votes counted?
The optional preferential voting system will be used to elect mayors and councillors.
For a candidate to be elected, they must obtain an absolute majority of votes, which is more than one half of the total number of formal votes (less exhausted votes). If no candidate has a majority, then the candidate with the lowest number of votes is excluded from the count and their ballot papers are passed on to other candidates remaining in the count using the preferences shown on the ballot papers. The process of exclusion continues until one candidate has a majority of the votes.
Why does the media announce results before the TEC?
The TEC does not declare a candidate to be elected until it has been confirmed that they have received an absolute majority of votes. Before this can be confirmed, a process of counting, rechecking (twice) and distributing preferences (if required) must take place.
Members of the media may use available data to make predictions and report on a likely outcome at any stage of an election, but this is not an official result.
If your question isn't answed here, email ballot.box@tec.tas.gov.au or call the TEC on 1800 801 701.
A search tool to learn who currently represents you at each level of government.
(opens in new tab)