Two candidates will stand in the Murrindindi Shire Council by-election for the position of Councillor for King Parrot Ward. The candidates, in ballot paper order, are:

• BOTTIGLIERI, Rick
• RUHR, Cris

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

Voters enrolled in Murrindindi Shire's King Parrot Ward, which includes Kinglake West and Hazeldene, will have their ballot packs mailed to them from Tuesday, 16 February. People in fire affected areas who have notified council of their new address, will have their ballot packs automatically redirected to their new address.

Returning Officer, Tony Buttler, said: "To make sure their votes count, 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 King Parrott 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 resignation of Councillor Lyn Gunter in November last year. The councillor elected at this by-election will represent King Parrot 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