Postal voting will soon commence for two Tasmanian council by-elections following vacancies in the Central Highlands and Dorset municipalities.
The Central Highlands Council vacancy follows the passing of Councillor Anthony Bailey on July 9, while the Dorset Council position became available after Councillor James Cashion’s resignation on June 26.
Both positions remain unfilled after a recount process, triggering the need for formal by-elections to be conducted via postal ballot.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission confirmed candidate nominations for both councils will open at 9am on Monday, August 18 and close at noon on Tuesday, August 26.
Successful candidates will serve until the next ordinary council elections, scheduled for September/October 2026.
Residents must ensure they are correctly enrolled before 6pm on Thursday, August 21 to participate in the vote.
Postal ballot packs will be delivered to all eligible voters from September 1, with completed ballots required before the close of poll at 2pm on Monday, September 22.
Vote counting will commence from 9am the following day, Tuesday, September 23.
Voters who are correctly enrolled for state and federal elections are automatically registered for local government elections. However, non-residents may be eligible for inclusion on the General Manager’s roll.
Voting in Tasmanian local government elections and by-elections has been compulsory since 2022.
