Media Release 2009: Deadline for candidates to nominate in the Higgins by-election

11 November 2009

Anyone interested in nominating as a candidate in the Higgins by-election has until 12 noon, Thursday 12 November 2009 to get their nomination to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

Nomination information and forms are available on the AEC website and at any AEC office or by calling 13 23 26. A $500 deposit is required for a candidate to nominate for the by-election.

Nominations must be received by the Divisional Returning Officer for Higgins, Mark Strong, at the AEC office located at 1343 Malvern Road, Malvern or by mail at Reply Paid 85873, Malvern VIC 3144.

Mr Strong said both the completed nomination form and deposit must be received by the close of nominations at 12 noon Thursday, 12 November 2009. Late nominations cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

"Important information for candidates, including the Candidate's Handbook is available on the AEC website or by ringing 13 23 26," he said.

To be eligible to nominate for the Higgins House of Representatives by-election, a person must be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older and an elector entitled to vote, or a person qualified to become an elector.

Election day for the Higgins House of Representatives by-election is Saturday, 5 December 2009. It is compulsory for all electors enrolled in the electorate of Higgins to vote in the Higgins by-election, including electors aged over 70 years. This differs from Local Government elections in Victoria where voting is not compulsory for people over 70.

The by-election will be conducted using the same electoral boundaries for Higgins as used at the 2007 federal election.

For more information on enrolment or the by-election visit our website or call the AEC on 13 23 26.

Media contacts

Steve Kennedy
Director Operations, Victorian State Office
Australian Electoral Commission
03 9285 7105
0413 271 211