All votes must either be put in the post or hand delivered to the Victorian Electoral Commission election office by 6pm this Friday, October 21. 

Twenty-eight Ballarat residents have officially announced their intention to throw their hat in the City of Ballarat ring.

The highest number of candidates recorded was 12 residents in the city’s south ward. 

The Municipal Association of Victoria is encouraging residents to inform themselves about council election candidates to understand who will best represent them for the next four years.

MAV chief executive officer Rob Spence said communities were encouraged to read the candidate information available to ensure they make an informed vote.

“This is the largest democratic event in the state and we want to make sure Victorians know who they are voting for,” he said.

“We also encourage residents to fill out their ballot forms with enough time to meet the deadline.”

Ballarat’s VEC election office is located at located at 205 Dana Street.

The office is open between 9am and 5pm.

If you have lost, damaged or not received your ballot pack, call 1300 587 366 during business hours to have a replacement pack sent to you.

Voting in a council election is compulsory for people between the ages of 18 to 70 years old.

Residents who do not vote before the closing date face fines of $78. 

Alternatively, you can visit the election office and vote on the spot. 

All elections are expected to be declared by November 4.