AS of this afternoon, more than 300,000 votes have been received in the state’s local government elections, meaning that with less than a day to go, 73% of electors have returned their vote. Derwent Valley Council voters are at the lower end of the participation rate, with 69.3% of votes returned so far. Only Hobart City Council has a lower turnout, at 68.92%. Central Highlands Council is at the other end of the scale, with a participation rate of 75.95%. Kentish Council voters are leading the way with an 83% turnout.
Electoral Commissioner Andrew Hawkey today encouraged those who still haven’t voted to put aside some time tonight to record their votes and then hand-deliver these to their nearest council office. “To have your vote received by 2pm on Tuesday 25 October, you must take it to your council office and place it in the ballot box before the 2pm deadline. If electors are unable to get to their own council office, they can lodge it at any council in the same region,” Mr Hawkey said.
There are 18 candidates for the eight seats on the Derwent Valley Council. Cr Julie Triffett has not re-nominated and will retire after two terms. The candidates are: Phillip Bigg, Phillip Bingley, Peter Binny, Luke Browning, Deb Carnes, Heather Chaplin, Jessica Cosgrove, Justin Derksen, Michelle Dracoulis, James Graham, Matt Hill, Sara Lowe, Brett Maryniak, Eve Nelson, Wayne Shoobridge, Liz Virtue, Brody Wiggins and Natasha Woods. Running for mayor are Phillip Bingley, Peter Binny and Michelle Dracoulis, and the candidates for deputy are Phillip Bigg, Luke Browning, Jessica Cosgrove, Sara Lowe, Wayne Shoobridge and Natasha Woods.
There are 11 candidates for the nine seats on the Central Highlands Council: Jim Allwright, Anthony Archer, Tony Bailey, Scott Bowden, Robert Cassidy, John Hall, Julie Honner, David Meacheam, Yvonne Miller, Loueen Triffitt and Rob Wilkinson. Loueen Triffitt is the only candidate for mayor and Jim Allwright is in a contest with Robert Cassidy for the deputy’s position. Retiring from council are Anita Campbell and Jim Poore.
