Politics
Eltham Candidate Platform Publication Policy Starts for Council Elections, Directing Mailed Statements to Every Registered Voter
Residents across Eltham's 12 wards will receive printed candidate statements on housing, transport and safety in council mailings ahead of the September vote.
How we reported this
The Eltham City Council put the Candidate Platform Publication Policy into effect on July 1. All candidates for the September council elections must file written statements on housing, transport and public safety with the elections office by July 15. The rule covers every one of the 12 wards and requires submissions in a standard format set by the Local Government Elections Act amendments of 2025.
Elections staff introduced the change after receiving repeated resident requests for clearer details on candidate positions. Earlier election cycles produced limited public records on local issues. The policy document states that the filings will be compiled into a single booklet mailed to each registered household.
Distribution Process for Eltham Households
Every household in the borough will receive one printed copy of the statements through the postal service by early August. Council staff at the High Street facility will prepare the booklets for delivery. Residents may also view the same documents on the council website after entering their voter registration number.
A resident in the Riverside ward can therefore compare each candidate's position on proposed bus route adjustments without attending separate events. The statements will also cover plans for the community center on Oak Lane and any proposed changes to local property assessments.
Budget Allocation and Next Steps
The 2026 budget papers list $78,000 for printing and assembly of the materials. Distribution relies on existing postal contracts. Candidates who submit after the July 15 deadline will appear in the booklet without statements.
Polling stations open on September 12 at locations that include Eltham Town Hall. Elections office staff will check each filing for length and format compliance before the booklets go to print.