Ten candidates will stand in the Greater Geelong City Council, Cowie Ward by-election. The candidates, in ballot paper order, are:

• JOKIC, Michelle Georgina
• EDWICK, Adam
• JENNINGS, Bronwyn
• GATES, Fred
• DORRIS, Robert
• LJUBANOVIC, Vinko
• COOK, Gail
• PODVINSEK, Matt
• KONTELJ, Eddy
• PUGLIA, Josie

Please see http://vec.vic.gov.au/GeelongNominations.html for candidates' contact details. Candidate statements will be made available online from Thursday, 4 February.

Voters enrolled in Geelong's Cowie Ward will have their ballot papers mailed to them from Tuesday, 16 February. Cowie Ward includes parts of North Geelong, Batesford, Bell Post Hill, Bell Park and Hamlyn Heights.

Returning Officer, Eeon Macaulay, said: "To make sure their vote counts, voters should carefully read and follow the instructions in the ballot pack."

All completed ballot papers must reach the Returning Officer by 6.00pm on Friday, 5 March or they will not be counted. Voters who haven't received their ballot pack by Wednesday, 24 February, should contact the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) on 13 18 32 for a replacement.

Voting is compulsory for all residents under 70 who were on the voters roll for Cowie Ward on Friday, 8 January 2010. This includes homeowners and tenants. Enrolled residents who fail to vote may be fined.

The vacancy arose following the disqualification of David Saunderson from Council in November last year. The councillor elected at this by-election will represent Cowie Ward until the next council elections in November 2012.

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For further information, please call:
Sarah Jones
Communication Officer
Victorian Electoral Commission
Phone: 9299 0739
Email: sarah.jones@vec.vic.gov.au