The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), the peak body for local government in Victoria, is predicting record nominations in what they say will be Victoria’s largest ever electoral event.

The MAV expects over 4 million votes to be cast in up to 299 elections across the 79 councils in Victoria.

MAV President, Dick Gross said a concerted campaign to encourage nominations in the upcoming elections had raised awareness of the vital role elected councillors play in determining the future of local communities.

He also said the alignment of council elections has made it logistically possible for the MAV, with the support of councils, to conduct the first state-wide campaign to attract candidates for local government.

“Over 1000 people have attended public information sessions on what it takes to become a councillor and more than 3800 people have sought detailed information about candidacy from a special website launched in June this year,” he said. 

“On previous experience we would expect in the order of 2000 people to nominate for the upcoming elections but we’re confident that the extra effort to encourage nominations will yield even more candidates when nominations open next week,” Cr Gross said.

Cr Gross says the Stand for Council campaign has been an important undertaking, “if only to provide the information that prospective candidates need to make a considered decision whether to stand or not”.

 “Becoming a councillor is a hands-on way of making a real difference in your local community but it comes with considerable responsibility and accountability,” he said.

The MAV says the electoral event will be much larger than State Government elections, with many more people qualified to vote in council elections.

“Over 4 million votes are expected to be cast in up to 299 elections across the 79 councils in Victoria,” Cr Gross said.

Nominations in all council elections open on 23 October 2008 and close at 12 noon on Tuesday 28 October.

The MAV has set up a campaign website featuring information about eligibility to stand for council, the role of a councillor, types of decisions councillors make, the time commitment involved, election processes and campaigning tips. 

To visit the website click here.