Voters in the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council area will be asked to vote next month. Photo: bizoo_n.
Around 480 people will head to the polls on 14 March for a by-election for Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council.
Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said nominations for the councillor position were now open and he encouraged anyone interested in representing their community to nominate before noon on Thursday 19 February.
“When nominating, several important steps must be taken, so I urge anyone interested to do this as soon as possible,” Mr Vidgen said.
Potential candidates must make sure they are eligible to nominate, enrolled in Pormpuraaw, pay a deposit of $250, open a dedicated campaign bank account and complete the free ‘So you want to be a councillor’ online training through the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers website.
More information for candidates is available on the Election Participants page of the Electoral Commission Queensland’s website.
Mr Vidgen also reminded Pormpuraaw residents about the importance of making sure they are correctly enrolled to vote.
“If you have changed your address or are enrolling to vote for the first time you must update your details by Monday 16 February 2026,” Mr Vidgen said.
“This is an important step to ensure your voice will be heard on election day.”
To enrol to vote, check your enrolment or update your details, visit the Australian Electoral Commission’s website.
The by-election is a result of the resignation of councillor Lucy Foote on 31 January.
Keep up to date with the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council by-election at the ECQ’s website or on social media @electoralcommissionqld. You can also call 1300 881 665 for more information.
Important dates:
- Close of electoral roll – Monday 16 February
- Close of nominations and ballot draw – Thursday 19 February
- Close of postal vote requests – 7 pm, Monday 2 March
- Early voting opens – Wednesday 11 March
- Election Day – Saturday 14 March
- Return of postal ballot cut-off – 5 pm, Tuesday 24 March.
