Greg Wilder was elected to represent Mansfield Ward, of Mansfield Shire Council after a countback of votes was conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission this morning.

The extraordinary vacancy arose following the recent passing of Councillor Sandie Jeffcoat on Friday, 31 December 2009.

The Returning Officer, Jo Wise, declared the result after a countback of votes from the general election held in November 2008. Only those candidates who were unsuccessful at the general election and were still eligible to be elected were included.

Voters are not required to vote again in a countback situation and only the votes for the previous councillor are counted.

The full breakdown of votes is:

• WILDER, Greg      659
• PENNY, David       308

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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