Ballot packs now in the mail for Wyndham Heathdale Ward by-election as voting deadline approaches

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Ballot packs now in the mail for Wyndham Heathdale Ward by-election as voting deadline approaches

Ballot packs for the Wyndham City Council Heathdale Ward by-election have been mailed to all enrolled voters from Monday 13 July 2026. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is urging voters to complete and return their ballot material as soon as possible, with the voting deadline set at 6 pm on Friday 31 July. Election Manager Colleen Kopelke has reminded voters that this is a postal-only election and that completed ballot packs must be in the mail or hand-delivered to the election office by the deadline. Three candidates — Pippa Pace, Marcel Mahfoud, and Kim McAliney — are contesting the vacancy created by the resignation of former councillor Jennie Barrera. Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled in Heathdale Ward at 4 pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026, and those who do not vote may be fined. Voters who have not received their ballot pack by Tuesday 21 July should contact the VEC on 131 832 for a replacement.

This guide explains the federal position first. State, territory and local elections can use different rules, dates and ballot systems, so the commission named on your election material is the final operational source.

The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.

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What is in your ballot pack

Each ballot pack mailed to enrolled voters contains all the materials needed to cast a valid vote. Inside the pack, voters will find a ballot paper listing the three candidates in ballot paper order — Pippa Pace, Marcel Mahfoud, and Kim McAliney. Also included are candidate statements and photographs where these were provided by the candidates, a ballot paper envelope for sealing the completed vote, a reply-paid envelope for returning the material at no cost to the voter, and a leaflet with voting instructions in multiple languages.

The VEC has also made candidate questionnaire responses available on its website at vec.vic.gov.au. These responses provide additional information about each candidate's background, priorities, and reasons for standing, helping voters make an informed choice. Voters should note that the VEC does not verify or endorse the content of candidate-provided materials, and that voting decisions remain entirely the voter's own responsibility.

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How to complete and return your vote correctly

To cast a valid vote, electors must follow the instructions on the ballot paper carefully. Voters must place the number 1 in the box next to the candidate they most want to see elected. They must then number all remaining boxes — 2 and 3 — in order of preference. Every box on the ballot paper must be numbered, and each number can only be used once. Failing to number all boxes, or using a number more than once, may render the vote informal and it will not be counted.

Once the ballot paper is completed, it must be placed inside the ballot paper envelope provided. The voter must then complete the declaration on the outside of that envelope — this includes the voter's signature or mark, and the date. The sealed ballot paper envelope then goes into the reply-paid envelope, which can be posted at any Australia Post mailbox or post office at no cost. The completed ballot material must be in the mail or hand-delivered to the election office by 6 pm on Friday 31 July 2026.

The VEC strongly advises voters to return their completed ballot packs as early as possible — even on the day they receive them. Postal delivery times can vary, and local mail clearance times may be earlier than 6 pm on Friday 31 July, or earlier in the week. A ballot that arrives after the deadline cannot be counted, even if it was postmarked before 6 pm. Voters who want to eliminate delivery risk can hand-deliver their completed ballot pack directly to the election office during business hours.

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The election office and in-person voting option

Although this is a postal election, voters have the option of voting in person at the election office. The office has been open since Wednesday 24 June 2026 and will remain open on weekdays until Friday 31 July. It is located at the Wyndham City Council Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, with entry via the main driveway at the rear carpark. At the election office, voters can obtain a ballot pack, complete it on site, and submit it immediately.

The election office also serves as a drop-off point for completed ballot packs. Voters who prefer not to rely on the postal system can hand-deliver their completed ballot material directly to the office before 6 pm on Friday 31 July. This guarantees that the vote will be received in time to be counted. The election office can also issue replacement ballot packs for voters whose original pack was lost or damaged, or who need a new pack for any other valid reason.

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What to do if your ballot pack hasn't arrived

Ballot packs were mailed from Monday 13 July 2026 to all voters enrolled in Heathdale Ward at the close of roll on 20 May 2026. Delivery times vary depending on postal service conditions. The VEC advises that any voter who has not received their ballot pack by Tuesday 21 July 2026 should take immediate action to obtain a replacement. Call the VEC on 131 832 during business hours to request a replacement pack. For callers outside Victoria, the contact number is +613 8620 1100.

Replacement ballot packs can also be obtained in person at the election office. The VEC will void the original pack to prevent double voting and issue a fresh pack. It is important to act before the final week of voting to ensure sufficient time for the replacement to arrive, be completed, and be returned by the 6 pm Friday 31 July deadline.

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Compulsory voting and potential penalties

Voting in this by-election is compulsory for every person who was correctly enrolled in Wyndham City Council's Heathdale Ward at 4 pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026. This obligation applies equally to state-enrolled voters and council-enrolled voters, including non-citizen ratepayers and corporation representatives who were on the council roll by the close-of-roll date.

After the voting period closes, the VEC will cross-check the electoral roll against returned ballot packs. Voters who appear not to have voted will be sent an apparent failure to vote notice. Recipients of such a notice can respond by providing evidence that they did vote, or by offering a valid and sufficient reason for not voting. Valid excuses may include illness, being overseas, religious beliefs, or other circumstances that prevented the person from voting. If no valid reason is provided, the VEC may issue a fine. The fine amount for failing to vote in a local council election is set under the Local Government Act 2020.

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Timeline recap and what happens next

The Heathdale Ward by-election has followed a structured timeline since the vacancy was notified to the VEC. The close of roll was 4 pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026. The candidate information session was held on Wednesday 10 June. Nominations opened on Monday 15 June and closed at 12 noon on Tuesday 23 June, with three candidates successfully nominated. In-person voting at the election office began on Wednesday 24 June. Ballot packs were mailed from Monday 13 July. Voting closes at 6 pm on Friday 31 July 2026.

After the voting deadline, the VEC will proceed with the count. Because this is a postal election, all ballot packs received by 6 pm on 31 July are included in the initial count. Any ballot packs arriving after the deadline cannot be counted. The VEC will count votes using the full preferential system, distributing preferences as required until one candidate secures a majority. Results will be published on the VEC website as counting progresses. The successful candidate will be declared elected and will serve the remainder of the Heathdale Ward term on Wyndham City Council.

Common questions

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