Local government elections 2026 


Local government election tagline - Make your mark. Vote local.

Voting in local government elections

Local government elections in Tasmania are conducted by post. This means there is a polling period that runs for several weeks, rather than one polling day.

Every elector receives their own postal ballot pack at their enrolled address. There are no polling places or pre-poll voting centres for local government elections.

On this page, find out when to expect your ballot pack, how to complete and return your vote, and what to do if you need a replacement ballot pack.

Telephone voting is available for eligible voters.

Your postal ballot pack

From Monday 5 to Friday 9 October, keep an eye on your letterbox for your ballot pack. This contains everything you need to cast your vote:

  • ballot paper(s)
  • a booklet containing voting instructions and candidate statements
  • a ballot paper envelope, which you must sign to verify that the vote is yours
  • a Reply Paid envelope for returning your completed vote. You do not need a stamp.

How to complete your ballot pack

  1. On each ballot paper, number the boxes from 1 onwards in the order of your choice. Follow the instructions on each ballot paper to see how many boxes you need to number for your vote to count. The mayor and deputy mayor ballot papers are joined but they should be filled out as separate ballots.
  2. Put your completed ballot paper(s) in the ballot paper envelope — the one with your name printed on it — and seal it.
  3. Sign the ballot paper envelope in the box next to your name.
  4. Put the ballot paper envelope in the Reply Paid envelope and seal it.

A postal voting guide is available to download in English and nine other languages.

Postal voting guide  
 

Return your vote on time

Your vote must be received by 2 pm on Tuesday 27 October to be included in the count.

Post the reply-paid envelope as soon as possible to allow plenty of time for delivery. You do not need a stamp.

Votes posted after 21 October may not be received by the deadline.

You can also take your Reply Paid envelope to your council office and place it in the secure ballot box up until the close of polling.

Council locations  

Request a replacement ballot pack

If your ballot pack hasn’t arrived, has been damaged or has been misplaced, you can request a replacement (supplementary) pack.

Delivery times can vary. If your ballot pack hasn’t arrived, we recommend waiting until Monday 12 October before requesting a replacement.

If your ballot pack is damaged, call us first. It may still be able to be used without needing a replacement. Phone 1800 801 701.

Request a replacement pack  

You can also visit your council office to collect a new pack.

Council locations  

Keeping your vote private and secure

Your ballot paper is always kept separate from your name. At no time are they seen together.

1. We verify your return

When we receive your vote, we mark you off the roll and check your signature while your ballot paper remains sealed inside the ballot paper envelope.

2. We separate your identity from your vote

We then remove the perforated declaration strip containing your name and signature. The declaration strips and sealed ballot paper envelopes are stored separately and securely, so your identity cannot be connected with your vote.

3. Your ballot remains sealed

While it is stored, the ballot paper envelope remains sealed.

4. Votes are counted under supervision

After polling closes, the sealed ballot paper envelopes are opened and the ballot papers are counted under supervision. Scrutineers appointed by candidates can observe the count and raise any concerns with the returning officer.