Candidates
There were 430 candidates who contested the 2012 Queensland State General Election, an average of between four and five candidates in each of the 89 electoral districts.
Who can nominate to be a candidate?
How do I become a candidate?
Candidates’ Agents
Scrutineers
Who can nominate to be a candidate?
To qualify as a candidate for a State general election, you must:
• be an Australian citizen enrolled on the Queensland electoral roll
• be nominated by six electors who are currently enrolled in the electoral district you are contesting, or be endorsed by a registered political party
• not be disqualified from nominating
• pay a $250 deposit by cash or bank cheque. This deposit is refunded if the candidate gains more than four per cent of formal first preference votes.
The Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 contains eligibility requirements candidates must meet in order to contest a State general election.
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How do I become a candidate?
The Electoral Commission’s Candidate Guide provides the information you need to become a candidate for the next State general election.
To stand as an unendorsed candidate you must complete the Candidates' Nomination Form. You can lodge the form together with your $250 deposit to the Returning Officer of the electoral district you want to contest, or to the Commission.
The Candidates’ Nomination Form will be available on our website once the election has been announced.
If you are a candidate endorsed by a registered political party, the party’s registered officer will organise the nomination form. You will be asked to sign your consent to the nomination.
Queensland Parliament has prepared a Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians, which contains important information for anyone considering becoming a candidate.
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Candidates’ Agents
A Candidate may appoint an agent to take care of funding and financial disclosure issues, or may choose to be their own agent. If no Appointment of Agent form is lodged, the Candidate is deemed to be the agent. Completed forms are to be submitted to the Commission.
Appointment of Agent Form
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Scrutineers
All candidates may appoint by notice to the Returning Officer, Scrutineers to observe polling and counting procedures during an election. Scrutineers must carry identification to show that they are an appointed scrutineer.
View the Guide for Scrutineers for more detailed information.
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