A former mayor will run for his third term in Moorabool Shire Council in the central ward while his wife, a newspaper editor, runs in the eastern ward.
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According to VEC rules, candidates can run for any ward they choose as long as they live within the council boundaries.
Similarly, there are no rules preventing a married couple from running in a local government election.
READ MORE: BALLARAT COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2020
Both candidates live in Moorabool's central ward.
Helen Tatchell, who has edited the Moorabool News for 15 years, said she did not think there would be any conflicts of interest if elected.
"People think it's a conflict of interest even nominating as a councillor when I run the paper, but I'm professional enough to keep myself at arm's length because there'll be people watching, and I'm happy to report on myself," she said.
"I felt the other three wards were and could be well-represented but the east ward has a bit of Rafferty's rules down there - I decided to put my money where my mouth is."
She said she did not think being married to another candidate would be an issue.
"We know all husbands and wives don't agree on the same things," she said.
"I think it's a positive, if we both get in there'll be good conversation and explanations of things.
"We're not stacking the numbers, people will think we are."
Her husband Paul Tatchell, an incumbent councillor, said it was a "storm in a teacup".
"After 30 years of marriage, if my wife wanted to join an ashram, I'd be just as confused but just as supportive - it's not about what I think, it's what she thinks," he said. "I don't think it's relevant, and I don't really have a view, but good on her.
"People make assumptions and it's pretty disrespectful, I think.
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"I think it's politicking, to be honest.
"Helen and I are both mature adults that understand when you're in public life people will always throw dirt, but you get to an age where you think the only thing that really matters is what my family thinks and the people that are close to you."
Election ballots are due back by Friday, October 23.
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