Council elections

The election period (sometimes referred to as the 'caretaker period') begins on the last day that nominations can be received and ends at 6pm on election day.

Our Election Period (Caretaker) Policy ensures that Council business continues throughout this period in a responsible and transparent manner. Please note that this policy has been updated to reflect the provisions and terminology of the Local Government Act 2020. This policy forms part of our Governance Rules. 

Council's Election Period (Caretaker) Policy includes making arrangements in the period prior to an election, which aim to ensure Council actions do not interfere with the integrity of the election process and aim to protect the authority of the incoming Council.

The policy includes direction around the use of election signage. The content of election signage must meet the requirements for electoral material under section 291 of the Act. Council provides guidance in relation to the provisions which apply to signage that promotes candidates in an election or relates to election issues.

Election signs on private land

Election signs are allowed to be displayed on private land without a permit with permission from the owner of the land, subject to the following restrictions which are set out in clause 52.05-10 of the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme:

• the advertisement area of the sign must not exceed five (5) square metres
• only one sign may be displayed on the land
• the sign must not be animated or internally illuminated, and it must not be displayed longer than 14 days after the event is held or three months without a permit (whichever is sooner).

Election signs on public land and roads

The placement of election signs on land that is owned or managed by Council (including recreation reserves, halls, facilities, nature strips, median strips, and road reserves) is prohibited. The erection of such signs will be dealt with as a breach of Council’s Community Local Law 2023.

In relation to roads and road infrastructure, penalties may also apply under section 66 of the Road Management Act 2004, which outlines the controls on advertising, signs and bills on roads and road infrastructure.

Election signs on vehicles and trailers

Portable or moveable election signs that are attached to a vehicle, trailer or similar may only be displayed if a permit is granted in accordance with Council’s Community Local Law 2023 and provided that:

• the sign does not unreasonably restrict the use of the road, or endanger the safety of members of the public; and
• the relevant parking restrictions and requirements are observed.

Within 40 days after election day, all candidates must submit an election campaign donation return to the Chief Executive Officer. A summary of the 2024 election returns is listed below.

Election campaign donation returns are also available for inspection at the Kyneton Administration Centre during normal office hours for a period of four years from the date of receipt. 

• own a property and pay rates in the Macedon Ranges Shire area
• are 18 years or older on election day
• are not a state-enrolled voter who lives in the Macedon Ranges Shire.

Submit the form through one of the following methods: 

• pay rates for a property that you occupy but do not own
• are 18 years or older on election day
• are not a state-enrolled voter.

Submit the form through one of the following methods: 

Note that Council may request proof of occupancy and liability for Council rates.

Download the Corporation Application Form for Enrolment(PDF, 247KB) if you meet all of the following conditions:

• are a company secretary or director of a corporation that pays rates (either as an owner or an occupier) in the shire
• are not already a state-enrolled voter or council-enrolled voter in the shire.

Submit the form through one of the following methods: 

If you believe that having your address printed on the voters' roll could put your personal safety or your family's safety at risk, you can apply to be a silent elector. This means that you are still required to vote, but the address where you live is not shown on the printed voters' roll.

As a State-enrolled voter, contact the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) regarding enrolling as a silent elector. If you are already a silent elector on the state electoral roll, you will automatically be made a silent elector on the council electoral roll if the VEC can identify and match your records.

As a council-enrolled voter, you can complete a silent elector application directly with us. Download a Silent Voter Request Form(DOCX, 98KB) / Silent Voter Request Form(PDF, 65KB)

Make sure you return your completed form and statutory declaration before the close of roll for the council elections, via one of the following methods:

• Email: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
• Post: Macedon Ranges Shire Council, C/O Rates and Debtors Coordinator, PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 
• In-person: at any one of Council's customer service centres during business hours.