Overview

Overview

Candidates contesting a local government election or by-election may be endorsed by a registered political party or nominated by 6 electors enrolled in the local government area or division/ward being contested.

A person becomes a candidate by nominating with and being certified by the ECQ. A person may also be considered a candidate prior to their nomination if they:

• are elected or appointed councillor at any time during the disclosure period
• have announced or otherwise publicly indicated an intention to be a candidate in an election
• have otherwise indicated their intention to be a candidate in the election, for example, by accepting a gift made for the purpose of an election.

A candidate can only run for a mayoral or councillor position in a local government election – but not both.

As a candidate, you may choose to form a group with other candidates to campaign together in a local government election. You can find more information about groups of candidates here.

Candidates have obligations under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 before, during, and after an election, whether they are elected or not.

Please click on the tabs above to find out about the requirements for candidates and how to become a candidate in a local government election.