Can non-citizens vote in Victorian local council elections?

This month, Victorians will vote in local council elections, selecting representatives to serve for the next four years. On 26 October, candidates from over 75 council areas will compete for these positions. In this podcast, we examine the thought processes that influence voters' decisions and feature insights from an expert on the knowledge gap and the resources available to the migrant community.

This month, Victorians will cast their votes in local council elections. Credit: Background image: AAP Image/Julian Smith)/Supplied

Hundreds of councillors are up for election, with over four million voters set to choose their representatives this year.

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Gagan Bhatnagar, a Point Cook resident who became an Australian citizen this year, is preparing to vote for the first time.

Gagan Bhatnagar is a resident of western suburb of Point Cook. Credit: Supplied

When asked if he was aware of his voting rights as a non-citizen in Victoria, he admitted he had no knowledge prior to his citizenship.

"I had no idea that, as a permanent resident or as a rate payer, I could have voted in local council elections in Victoria before. If I had known, I would have participated," he explains.

Avinash Raina, a resident of Balwyn, shares similar views.

Avinash Raina, resident of Balwyn (Victoria). Credit: Supplied

"I always believed that only citizens had the right to vote, just as they do in state and federal elections, so I never thought about participating in local council elections," he adds.

For both voters, the candidates' efforts and agendas for their local council were the most significant factors.

"For me, it's crucial to see what the candidates’ campaigns focus on. I want to know what they plan to achieve and whether their agendas will improve the quality of life for residents," Raina explains.

Are non-citizens eligible to vote in Victoria's local council elections?

Australian citizens aged 18 and older who have resided at their current address for more than one month are eligible to vote in local council elections. They must be enrolled to vote.

Non-citizen ratepayers, such as property owners, are eligible to apply for voting rights, but after enrolling with their local councils.

If approved, they must participate in all council elections, but they cannot vote in state or federal elections until they obtain Australian citizenship.

Migration lawyer Dr Apurva Kirti Sharma highlights the lack of awareness among migrant community regarding their voting rights in local elections.

She notes that despite local council election information being readily accessible, there is still a lack of awareness that needs to be addressed.

Apurva Kirti Sharma is a commercial litigation as well as migration lawyer. Credit: Supplied

"The lack of awareness about voting rights among permanent residents creates a significant barrier to full representation and informed participation in electing local councils, which make critical decisions on issues that directly shape our daily lives," Sharma argues.

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"To ensure every voice is heard and contributes to inclusive decision-making, we must work towards closing this gap and empower people and communities through awareness and engagement," she points out.

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