Voters enrolled in Greater Geelong City Council's Cowie Ward should have received their ballot packs this week.

Ballot packs were mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday, 16 February.

Voting is compulsory for all residents under 70 who were on the voters roll for Cowie Ward at 4.00pm on Monday, 8 January. This includes homeowners and tenants. Enrolled residents who fail to vote may be fined.

All completed ballot papers must reach the Returning Officer by 6.00pm on Friday, 5 March or they will not be counted.

"Ballot papers can be completed and returned as soon as they arrive," said Returning Officer Eeon Macaulay.

"Voters should carefully read and follow the instructions in the ballot pack to ensure they fill out their ballot paper correctly."

Voters who haven't received their ballot pack should contact the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) on 13 18 32 for a replacement.

There are eight candidates contesting the by-election; in ballot paper order, they are:

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

For candidate statements and contact details please see: http://vec.vic.gov.au/GeelongCandidates.html.

The councillor elected at the 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
9299 0739
sarah.jones@vec.vic.gov.au