Local government
by-elections 2025
The questions and answers provided below will be updated during the 2025 by-elections.
Is voting compulsory?
Yes, voting in local government elections is compulsory for all electors on the State Roll.
It is not compulsory for those on the General Manager's Roll.
To avoid a fine and ensure you have your say, the TEC encourages electors to complete and return their ballot paper.
What are the ways to vote?
Local government elections in Tasmania are conducted by postal ballot. Every elector will be sent a ballot pack in the mail.
Ballot packs will be delivered by post from Monday 1 September. Electors who will be away during the polling period will be able to request a supplementary ballot pack be sent to a nominated address.
Unlike parliamentary elections, there will be no option to vote in person at a polling place.
Where will you send my ballot pack?
We will send your ballot pack to the address specified on your enrolment or an alternative postal address if you have provided one.
What options are available if I need assistance to vote?
With the support of the Central Highlands Council, the TEC is providing an Impartial Assisted Voting Service for anyone who requires assistance completing their ballot paper. Bookings can be made between 9 am Monday 8 and 5 pm Friday 12 September for appointments from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 September.
I am unable to vote. What do I do?
If you will be away and unable to receive your ballot pack during the polling period, you can request a supplementary ballot pack be sent to an alternative address.
Please consider postal schedules when making these arrangements. Requests for a supplementary pack sent by post can be made until 4 pm on Wednesday 17 September.
If there is any other reason you're unable to vote, please don't contact the TEC now; you will receive a letter after the election. You can advise us of your valid and sufficient reason for not voting by responding to this letter.
How can I find out where I am enrolled?
Visit Check my enrolment on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
Please note that rolls for this election close at 6 pm Thursday 21 August 2025. You will be required to vote under the enrolment details recorded as at that time.
How can I update my enrolment?
Visit Update my enrolment on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
Please note that rolls for this election close at 6 pm Thursday 21 August 2025. You will be required to vote under the enrolment details recorded as at that time.
I am not eligible to be on the state roll for the area. Is there another way to enrol?
You may apply to enrol on the General Manager’s roll if you own or occupy land in the municipal area (and you’re not eligible to be on the state roll for the area) or you are the nominated representative of a corporate body that owns or occupies land in the area.
Are there any maps available showing the boundaries of local government areas?
Yes. Statewide map [PDF, 2.0MB]
The TEC also has a search tool that can be used to discover which division or council an address is in.
Who do I notify when a relative has recently passed away?
Use this form on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
What are the rules around placement of posters?
The placement of posters and signs at local government elections does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Tasmanian Electoral Commission.
However, many Tasmanian councils have specific planning schemes and by-laws regulating the placement and size of election posters. Candidates are advised to check with their relevant councils prior to erecting posters and any complaints over size and placement of signs should also be directed towards the relevant councils.
Permission to display posters on private property must always be obtained from the owner of the land concerned.
Before placing posters on public property (e.g. fences or trees) it is advisable to obtain permission from the responsible bodies such as local government (individual councils), the Department of State Growth, etc.
What are the rules around electoral roadside signs?
The Tasmanian Roadside Signs Manual produced by the Department of State Growth contains the following information in relation to electoral signs:
The erection or display of electoral advertising signs within State and Local Government Roads is prohibited. The provisions of Local Authority Planning Schemes and Bylaws make adequate provision for such advertising.
Queries regarding roadside signs should be directed to the Department of State Growth.
Is it an offence to place electoral matter on electricity poles?
It is an offence under section 109(1)(a) of the Electricity Supply Industry Act 1995 to attach anything to a power pole without proper authority.
The penalty for an offence under this section is a fine of up to 50 penalty units for an individual or 100 penalty units for a body corporate.
Queries or complaints related to material being attached to electricity power poles should be directed to TasNetworks.
Is it an offence to display electronic billboards?
The Department of State Growth has produced the Tasmanian Roadside Signs Manual. The manual contains the following information in relation to electoral signs:
The erection or display of electoral advertising signs within State and Local Government Roads is prohibited. The provisions of Local Authority Planning Schemes and Bylaws make adequate provision for such advertising.
It is also an offence under section 78(1) of the Traffic Act 1925 for a person to:
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.
Queries or complaints related to roadside signs or electronic billboards should be directed to the Department of State Growth.
What is a scrutineer?
A candidate can appoint a scrutineer to represent them at the places where voting and counting take place. A scrutineer may observe procedures and bring to the attention of an election official any matter they believe may not be in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act. The role of a scrutineer is important, ensuring transparency and integrity is maintained at electoral events.
When will we know who has been elected?
Polling closes at 2 pm Monday 22 September 2025, with the remainder of the afternoon used to process returns and prepare for counting to commence the next morning. A result is expected to be available on the TEC website on the afternoon of Tuesday 23 September.
How are the votes counted?
The optional preferential voting system will be used to elect a councillor.
For a candidate to be elected, they must obtain an absolute majority of votes, which is more than one half of the total number of formal votes (less exhausted votes). If no candidate has a majority, then the candidate with the lowest number of votes is excluded from the count and their ballot papers are passed on to other candidates remaining in the count using the preferences shown on the ballot papers. The process of exclusion continues until one candidate has a majority of the votes.
Why does the media announce results before the TEC?
The TEC does not declare a candidate to be elected until it has been confirmed that they have received an absolute majority of votes. Before this can be confirmed, a process of counting, rechecking (twice) and distributing preferences (if required) must take place.
Members of the media may use available data to make predictions and report on a likely outcome at any stage of an election, but this is not an official result.
If your question isn't answed here, email ballot.box@tec.tas.gov.au or call the TEC on 1800 801 701.
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