Media Release: Vote For Your Future in the 2022 Council Elections
- Media Release
Eligible residents, property and business owners, and renters across the District Council of Grant are encouraged to take action and cast their vote in the 2022 Council Elections. Every four years whole state elections are held in South Australia with the next taking place this November.
District Council of Grant Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Whicker, said this year’s Council elections are a key opportunity for the District Council of Grant’s voice to be heard.
“It is important to submit your vote and have your say on who should represent you at a local level.” he said.
The 2022 Council Elections are doubly important seeing the inclusion of an additional vote seeking the support of an examination of an amalgamation between District Council of Grant and City of Mount Gambier.
“This year it is crucial to ensure your perspective is heard on the State Government’s Plebiscite concerning the possible amalgamation between both Council’s.” Mr Whicker said.
The Plebiscite (South East Council Amalgamation) Bill 2022 passed South Australia’s Upper House on Tuesday, 27 September 2022. The District Council of Grant’s appeal for a majority vote in each Council community to allow for equal representation was not amended in the parliament.
To ensure that residents are informed on the process of the Plebiscite being a simple majority vote and the approach following the vote, the Local Government Association (LGA) will be facilitating community information sessions.
The first session will occur online at 1:00pm on Friday, 14 October 2022, with two in-person sessions to be held in Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell on Wednesday, 19 October 2022. The LGA announced bookings are essential for the online session and details of the locations and times of the in-person sessions will be provided once confirmed.
“It is imperative that our community participates in these upcoming sessions to ensure you have all the facts before lodging your vote.” Mr Whicker said.
In addition to the Plebiscite, the primary function of Council Elections is to secure the best array of representation for our community over the next four years.
“Being able to make an informed decision is equally as important in this process. I encourage the community to seek further information about each candidate to submit an educated vote. Please make your vote count.” Mr Whicker said.
Ballot materials, including a paper for the plebiscite, will be mailed to electors address between Friday, 14 October 2022 and Thursday, 20 October 2022.
Voting closes 5.00pm Thursday, 10 November 2022.
Additional information regarding voting and candidates can be found on the Electoral Commission of South Australia’s (ECSA) website at https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/voting
To register for one of the LGA’s community information sessions, visit the Local Government of South Australia’s website at https://www.lga.sa.gov.au/news-and-events/news/latest-news/2022/october/community-information-session-council-amalgamation-vote
