The 2024 local government elections are officially underway, following the publishing of the Notice of Election last week.
Around 3.7 million Queenslanders will head to the polls on 16 March to have their say about the mayors and councillors they want to represent them in their local community for the next four years.
Residents in the State electorate of Inala will also vote for a new Member of Parliament during the poll, following the resignation of former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said that the start of the election period means that Queenslanders should act now to enrol to vote or nominate to contest the elections.
“Voting in elections is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we share in our democracy, and if you’re not on the roll you can’t vote and if you don’t vote – you can’t have your say.”
“Now’s the time to head to the AEC website at aec.gov.au to check your details are up-to-date or enrol if you haven’t yet or if you’ll be turning 18 before election day.
“The start of the election period also means that nominations for the mayoral and councillor positions in Queensland’s 77 local government areas are now open.”
“If you’re thinking of putting your hand up to represent your local community, the best place to start is by visiting ecq.qld.gov.au]ecq.qld.gov.au you can find out more about what you need to do.
“There are a number of steps you need to complete to nominate, so I encourage you to get started on that early if you intend to run as a candidate.”
Queenslanders can visit ecq.qld.gov.au to stay up to date with the elections and to learn more about how local elections work.
“There is a wealth of great resources on our website, including short videos on topics like postal voting and counting the votes which can help you understand more about the process,” Mr Vidgen said.
“I also encourage Queensland electors to like and follow our social media platforms to make sure they are receiving important information and updates as the election period progresses.
2024 local government elections timetable
• 29 January – Notice of Election
• 5 February – Close of Electoral Roll
• 13 February – Candidate nominations close
• 14 February – Ballot paper order draw
• 4 March – Postal vote applications close
• 4 March – Early voting commences
• 16 March – Election Day
• 26 March – Close of returns for postal votes
