Election events
The Electoral Commission of Queensland is an independent and impartial organisation established under the Electoral Act 1992 to administer the following electoral events.
Local government elections
Local government elections are held every four years on the last Saturday in March, unless changed by regulation.
There are 77 local council areas within Queensland. A divided council is separated into divisions and voters elect a councillor to represent their division. In an undivided council, voters elect all the councillors for their area.
The next local government election is due to be held on Saturday, 28 March 2020. For more information, see the 2020 local government elections page.
State government elections
Queensland is transitioning to four year fixed-terms following the 2016 referendum. The next state election is due to be held on the 31st of October 2020.
Queensland comprises of 93 electorates. For more information see electoral boundaries.
By-elections
By-elections may be held if a vacancy occurs during a term of office for a member of parliament, a mayor or a councillor.
Vacancies can occur for many reasons, including death, resignation, absence without leave, expulsion or disqualification.
For information about finalised elections, see the Election Results page.
Referendums
A referendum is held when the government would like to change the State Constitution and provides electors with the opportunity to give their opinion. Voting in a referendum is compulsory.
In a state referendum, you'll be asked to vote in favour of ("yes") or against ("no") one or more questions, rather than selecting a candidate/s as a representative for state district or local government area.
| Proposal | Date | Votes in Favour ("Yes") | Votes Against ("No") | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Four (4) Year Terms | 19 March 2016 | 52.96% | 47.04% | Passed |
| Daylight Savings | 22 February 1992 | 40.57% | 48.60% | Failed |
| Extension of Parliamentary Terms from Three (3) to Four (4) years | 23 March 1991 | 772,647 | 811,078 | Failed |
| Control or Prohibition Liquor | 3 October 1923 | Failed | ||
| Control or Prohibition Liquor | 30 October 1920 | Failed | ||
| Abolition of the Legislative Council | 5 May 1917 | 119,909 | 179,105 | Failed |
| Religious Instruction | 13 April 1910 | 74,228 | 56,681 | Passed |
| Federation | 2 September 1899 | 38,488 | 30,996 | Passed |
Industrial elections
ECQ is responsible for conducting industrial elections under the Industrial Relations Act 2016. Applications may be made to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) seeking an election of office-bearers. Prescribed election information (form 65) must be lodged with the QIRC. This form can be found on the QIRC website. If the application is approved, the QIRC will issue a decision instructing ECQ to conduct the election.
Union: Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation Queensland, Industrial Organisation of Employees
Decision: RIO 2019/227
Date: 26 August 2019
Notice of Election and Nomination Form PDF (0.21 MB)
Union: The Registered and Licensed Clubs Association of Queensland, Union of Employers
Decision: RIO 2019/249
Date: 17 September 2019
Notice of Election and Nomination Form PDF (0.18 MB)
Union: Queensland Teachers Union of Employees
Decision: RIO 2019/213-215
Date: 12 July 2019
Notice of Election and Nomination Form PDF (0.19 MB)
Summary of Nominations PDF (0.12 MB)
Interim Certificate of Election PDF (0.16 MB)
Results of Ballot Paper Draw PDF (0.07 MB)
Union: Queensland Teachers Union of Employees
Decision: RIO 2019/240-241
Date: 4 September 2019
Union: Master Painters, Decorators and Signwriters’ Association of Queensland, Union of Employers
Decision: RIO 2019/231
Date: 26 August 2019
Notice of Election and Nomination Form PDF (0.16 MB)
Union: The Registered and Licensed Clubs Association of Queensland, Union of Employers
Decision: RIO 2019/267
Date: 25 October 2019
Notice of Election and Nomination Form PDF (0.18 MB)