Elections

Local Government elections for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and half the councillor positions are held during September and October in each uneven-numbered year. Councillors are elected for a four year term, while the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected for a two year term.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission is responsible for the supervision of local government elections and undertakes most election tasks on behalf of the council.

Council elections are conducted by postal ballot.  Under the postal ballot system there is a "polling period" of at least 10 days (excluding any Saturday or Sunday), rather than a single polling day.

Further information about elections can be found on the Tasmanian Electoral Commission website at www.electoral.tas.gov.au

Am I eligible to vote in Sorell Council elections?

You are eligible to vote if you are:

• An owner or occupier of land in the Sorell municipal area;
• Over the age of 18 years;
• Not serving a term of imprisonment;
• Not subject to an order under the Mental Health Act 1963.

Do I have to enrol?

If you are on the House of the Assembly electoral roll for an address in the Sorell Council municipal area you are automatically enrolled.

If you are not on the House of Assembly electoral roll for an address in the Sorell Council municipal area, but you own or occupy land in the Sorell municipal area, you may apply to be included on the General Managers Electoral Roll by completing a Local Government Electoral Enrolment form.  This will then enable you to vote at Sorell Council elections.

Likewise, if you are the nominated representative of a corporate body which owns or occupies land in the Sorell municipal area you may apply to be included on the General Managers Electoral Roll by completing a Local Government Electoral Enrolment form - for Corporate Bodies.  This will then enable you to vote at Sorell Council elections.

Do I have to vote?

No.  Voting at Council elections is not compulsory.

What happens when I send in my Local Government Electoral Enrolment form?

Providing you meet the eligibility requirements, your name will be placed on the General Managers Electoral Roll.  At the appropriate time, a postal vote ballot paper will be sent to you.

Enquiries about the General Managers Electoral Roll should be directed to the Council Office on (03) 6269 0000.

Electoral Enrolment Form  (26 kb)

Electoral Enrolment Form - Corporate Bodies  (19 kb)