Local government elections 2026
In 2026, elections will be conducted in all 29 of Tasmania's local government areas. This includes the election of councillors, a mayor and a deputy mayor for each council to serve a four-year term of office.
Local government elections are conducted by postal ballot and voting is compulsory for all electors on the State roll.
Recent legislative amendments have introduced a change to the number of councillors to be elected in many local government areas. These amendments have also allowed for the offering of a Telephone Assisted Voting (TAV) service for electors who are interstate or overseas, or have a print disability. Further information about the TAV service and how to access it will be published here ahead of the polling period.
Nominations open
Enrolment closes
Nominations close
Nominations announced
Ballot packs delivered by post
Close of poll
Counting commences
Nominations are now open and close at 12 noon on Monday 21 September 2026.
Information is available to support candidates and provide guidance on the rules that must be followed during the election period.
You’ll find the candidate handbook, nomination form and lodgement details, a link to submit candidate statements and photographs, and the latest requirements and guidance for statements and photographs.
Voting in these elections is by postal ballot. There are no polling places or pre-poll voting centres.
Ballot packs will be delivered by post from Monday 5 October, after nominations have closed and ballot papers have been printed.
If you’ll be away from your enrolled address when ballot packs are delivered, you can request a supplementary postal ballot pack now to be sent to another address. Packs cannot be sent before Monday 5 October.
If you’ll be interstate or overseas, or have a print disability, Telephone Assisted Voting will also be available. Details will be published before voting begins.
Rolls for these local government elections closed at 6pm Thursday 10 September 2026. If you have moved recently, or other details have changed, you can still update your enrolment for future elections.
Everyone on the State roll is automatically enrolled and required to vote in local government elections.
People who own or occupy land in a municipal area, or are the nominated representatives of a corporate body that owns or occupies land in that municipal area, may also be eligible to vote if they have enrolled with the General Manager of their council by the above date.
Candidates, printers, publishers and broadcasters are required to submit an electoral advertising return to the TEC, reporting particulars of election-related advertising.
This information must be returned no later than 45 days after the day on which the certificate of election is issued.
Further information is available for candidates, printers, publishers and broadcasters.