Townsville City Council has resolved to write to the Minister for Local Government and Water – The Hon Ann Leahy MP requesting that a postal vote be used as a method for the by-election.
The Special Council meeting today comes after suspended Mayor, Troy Thompson resigned on Friday, effective immediately.
Section 163 of the Local Government Act 2009 (LGA) requires the filling of the vacant office within 2 months after the office becomes vacant. The Minister will appoint the Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) to run a by-election.
A Townsville City Council spokesperson said while the by-election could be conducted as an in person election or a postal ballot, Councillors made the decision based off three main factors, including voter fatigue, ease of attendance, and cost to ratepayers.
"In the space of 18 months Townsville residents have been to the polls three times, including the Local, State and Federal Government elections," the spokesperson said.
"A postal ballot will help address voter fatigue by providing an easily accessible and convenient way for voters of all abilities to participate without having to attend polling stations in person."
The spokesperson said during a time where every dollar counted, a postal vote was likely to save ratepayers around $230,000.
"The estimated costs of the by-election provided by postal vote is still a significant cost at $760,000." the spokesperson said.
"We know for our community that every dollar matters, this option is about making sure the most people participate in the democratic process in the most accessible way possible, while putting the least amount of strain on ratepayers," the spokesperson said.
While Council has made the recommendation to the Minister that the vote take place as a postal ballot, the Minister is required to refer the application to the electoral commissioner for the commissioner's recommendation about whether the application should be approved.
Once receiving the commissioner's recommendations, the Minister will then make a final decision on both the method of voting and the by-election date. In accordance with legislation the vacancy should be filled within 2 months. It is expected to be finalised by the end of November.
