2024 local government elections daily updates

Vote counting

The vote counting has concluded, following the deadline for return of postal votes on 26 March 2024 and 2 April 2024 for Torres Strait Island Regional Council electors where polling was extended due to poor weather.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and start of the official count.

The first past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts could only start once all available ballot papers were on hand, including all postal ballots.

Declaration of results were made as soon as the outcome was certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

Please note that recounts are a common occurrence and can be directed to occur under the legislation. Where a recount was directed, there is a longer time for a declaration to be made.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

Approximately 440,000 postal votes were issued for the 2024 local government elections and over 386,000 postal votes, or more than 87 per cent, have been receipted at this point in time. Postal votes returned by the deadline of 26 March were scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on Thursday 4 April 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls, and preference distributions are being undertaken to determine final results, following the deadline for return of postal votes on 26 March 2024.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

Please note that recounts are a common occurrence and can be directed to occur under the legislation. Where a recount is directed, there will be a longer time for a declaration to be made.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

Approximately 440,000 postal votes were issued for the 2024 local government elections and over 386,000 postal votes, or more than 87 per cent, have been receipted at this point in time. Postal votes returned by the deadline of 26 March will be scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on Wednesday 3 April 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls, and preference distributions are being undertaken to determine final results, following the deadline for return of postal votes on 26 March 2024.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

Please note that recounts are a common occurrence and can be directed to occur under the legislation. Where a recount is directed, there will be a longer time for a declaration to be made.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

Approximately 440,000 postal votes were issued for the 2024 local government elections and over 386,000 postal votes, or more than 87 per cent, have been receipted at this point in time. Postal votes returned by the deadline of 26 March will be scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on between Thursday 28 March to Tuesday 2 April.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Tuesday 2 April

Monday 1 April 2024

Saturday 30 March 2024

Thursday 28 March 2024

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Wednesday 27 March 2024

25 councils now fully declared as counts continue to be finalised for the 2024 local government elections

The ECQ formally declared the outcome of the below local government contests on Wednesday 27 March:

• Balonne Shire Council – Councillors (6)
• Banana Shire Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Banana Shire Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, Marchant
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, Walter Taylor
• Bulloo Shire Council – Mayor
• Bulloo Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Bundaberg Regional Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Burke Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Charters Towers Regional Council – Councillors (6)
• Cloncurry Shire Council – Councillors (5)
• Croydon Shire Council – Mayor
• Croydon Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Diamantina Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Etheridge Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Flinders Shire Council – Mayor
• Flinders Shire Council – Councillors (6)
• Gold Coast City Council – Councillor, Division 3
• Gold Coast City Council – Councillor, Division 8
• Gold Coast City Council – Councillor, Division 5
• Gold Coast City Council – Councillor, Division 9
• Gold Coast City Council – Councillor, Division 10
• Goondiwindi Regional Council – Councillors (6)
• Ipswich City Council – Councillors (2), Division 1
• Ipswich City Council – Councillors (2), Division 2
• Ipswich City Council – Councillors (2), Division 3
• Ipswich City Council – Councillors (2), Division 4
• Isaac Regional Council – Councillor, Division 1
• Lockyer Valley Regional Council – Councillors (6)
• Longreach Regional Council – Councillors (6)
• McKinlay Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Moreton Bay City Council – Councillor, Division 8
• Noosa Shire Council – Mayor
• Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Quilpie Shire Council – Mayor
• Scenic Rim Regional Council – Councillor, Division 5
• Somerset Regional Council – Councillors (6)
• Tablelands Regional Council – Councillor, Division 1
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council – Councillor, Division 7
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council – Councillor, Division 8
• Townsville City Council – Mayor
• Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council – Mayor

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

As at 27 March, 226 declarations had been made for the 343 electoral contests for the local government elections, with counting continuing to finalise those outstanding.

Note that for undivided councils using first-past-the-post voting, a single declaration is made for all councillors in the electoral contest.

All mayoral and councillor positions have now been declared for 26 councils:

• Balonne Shire Council
• Boulia Shire Council
• Bulloo Shire Council
• Burdekin Shire Council
• Burke Shire Council
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council
• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
• Cloncurry Shire Council
• Croydon Shire Council
• Diamantina Shire Council
• Etheridge Shire Council
• Flinders Shire Council
• Goondiwindi Regional Council
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council
• Isaac Regional Council
• Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire
• Lockyer Valley Regional Council
• Longreach Regional Council
• Mareeba Shire Council
• McKinlay Shire Council
• Murweh Shire Council
• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Somerset Regional Council
• Toowoomba Regional Council
• Winton Shire Council
• Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls, and preference distributions are being undertaken to determine final results, following the deadline for return of postal votes on 26 March 2024.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

Please note that recounts are a common occurrence and can be directed to occur under the legislation. Where a recount is directed, there will be a longer time for a declaration to be made.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

Approximately 440,000 postal votes were issued for the 2024 local government elections and over 385,000 postal votes, or more than 87 per cent, have been receipted at this point in time. Postal votes returned by the deadline of 26 March will be scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on 27 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Tuesday 26 March 2024

Postal vote return deadline closes for local government elections, as Inala by-election is declared

On Wednesday, 27 March 2024, the ECQ declared the outcome of the Inala State by-election, with Margaret Ellen Nightingale elected as a new Member of Parliament. The Writ for the by-election is being returned to Her Excellency, the Governor.

The ECQ also declared the outcome of the below local government contests on Tuesday 26 March:

• Barcoo Shire Council – Mayor
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, Enoggera
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, Runcorn
• Cloncurry Shire Council – Mayor
• Douglas Shire Council – Mayor
• Fraser Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 9
• Gold Coast City Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Gympie Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Gympie Regional Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Gympie Regional Council – Councillor, Division 8
• Isaac Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council – Mayor
• Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• McKinlay Shire Council – Mayor
• Mount Isa City Council – Mayor
• North Burnett Regional Council – Councillor, Division 1
• Redland City Council – Mayor
• Redland City Council – Councillor, Division 4
• Redland City Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Redland City Council – Councillor, Division 7
• Redland City Council – Councillor, Division 8
• Redland City Council – Councillor, Division 9
• South Burnett Regional Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Sunshine Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 3
• Tablelands Regional Council – Mayor
• Toowoomba Regional Council – Councillors (10)
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council – Councillor, Division 9
• Townsville City Council – Councillor, Division 1
• Townsville City Council – Councillor, Division 4
• Townsville City Council – Councillor, Division 5

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

As at 26 March,175 declarations had been made for the 343 electoral contests for the local government elections, with counting continuing to finalise those outstanding.

Note that for undivided councils using first-past-the-post voting, a single declaration is made for all councillors in the electoral contest.

All mayoral and councillor positions have now been declared for 11 councils:

• Boulia Shire Council
• Burdekin Shire Council
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council
• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council
• Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire
• Mareeba Shire Council
• Murweh Shire Council
• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Toowoomba Regional Council
• Winton Shire Council.

Results for the Inala State by-election are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls, and preference distributions are being undertaken to determine final results, following the deadline for return of postal votes on 26 March 2024.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

Approximately 440,000 postal votes were issued for the 2024 local government elections and over 384,000 postal votes, or more than 87 per cent, have been receipted at this point in time. Postal votes returned by the deadline of 26 March will be scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Postal votes returned for the Inala by-election are also in the process of being scrutinised and counted. Almost 89 per cent of postal votes for Inala have been returned and scrutinised.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on 26 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Monday 25 March 2024

246 contests now declared in 2024 local government elections

On Monday 25 March 2024, the ECQ had declared the outcome of the below local government contests:

• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, Jamboree
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, MacGregor
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, Tennyson
• Bundaberg Regional Council – Councillor, Division 3
• Bundaberg Regional Council – Councillor, Division 5
• Bundaberg Regional Council – Councillor, Division 7
• Bundaberg Regional Council – Councillor, Division 10
• Cairns Regional Council – Councillor, Division 9
• Fraser Coast Regional Council – Mayor
• Fraser Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Fraser Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 4
• Fraser Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 5
• Fraser Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 8
• Gympie Regional Council – Mayor
• Isaac Regional Council – Councillor, Division 3
• Isaac Regional Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Lockyer Valley Regional Council – Mayor
• Logan City Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Moreton Bay City Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Moreton Bay City Council – Councillor, Division 12
• Murweh Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Southern Down Regional Council – Mayor
• Sunshine Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 1
• Sunshine Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2 (uncontested)
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council – Councillor, Division 4 (uncontested)
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council – Councillor, Division 11 (uncontested)
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council – Councillor, Division 13 (uncontested)
• Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council – Councillors (4)

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

As at 25 March, 246 declarations had been made for the local government elections, with counting continuing to finalise the remaining elections.

All mayoral and councillor positions have now been declared for nine councils:

• Boulia Shire Council
• Burdekin Shire Council
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council
• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council
• Mareeba Shire Council
• Murweh Shire Council
• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Winton Shire Council.

Counting is also continuing in the Inala State by-election. It is likely that a full preference count will be required after the close of postal vote returns on 26 March, to distribute the preferences of the eight candidates contesting the election and ensure certainty prior to a declaration.

Results for the Inala State by-election is available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Counting will continue until all available votes have been counted, noting that postal votes can be accepted up to 10 days after election day, which is 26 March 2024.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

The return and scrutiny of the approximately 440,000 postal votes issued for the 2024 local government elections is ongoing.

To date, over 380,500 postal votes, or over 86 per cent, have already been returned, scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Postal votes for the Inala by-election is also in the process of being scrutinised and returned to the relevant Returning Officer for counting. To date, more than 88 per cent of postal votes for Inala have been returned and scrutinised.

The deadline for the return of postal votes is today, 26 March 2024.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on 25 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Friday 22 March 2024

Local government declarations continue

On Friday, 22 March 2024, the ECQ declared the outcome of the below local government contests:

• Brisbane City Council – Councillor – Chandler
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor – Hamilton
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor – Doboy
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor – Deagon
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor – The Gap
• Bundaberg Regional Council – Mayor
• Bundaberg Regional Council – Councillors (4)
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Councillor
• Logan City Council – Mayor
• Logan City Council – Councillors (3)
• Moreton Bay City Council – Councillors (2)
• Redland City Council – Councillor, Division 3
• Rockhampton Regional Council – Councillors (3)
• Toowoomba Regional Council – Mayor
• Winton Shire Council – Councillors (5)

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

As at 22 March, 142 declarations had been made for the local government elections, with counting continuing to finalise the remaining elections.

All mayoral and councillor positions have now been declared for eight councils:

• Boulia Shire Council
• Burdekin Shire Council
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council
• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council
• Mareeba Shire Council
• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Winton Shire Council.

Counting is also continuing in the Inala State by-election. It is likely that a full preference count will be required after the close of postal vote returns on 26 March, to distribute the preferences of the eight candidates contesting the election and ensure certainty prior to a declaration.

Results for the Inala State by-election is available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Counting will continue until all available votes have been counted, noting that postal votes can be accepted up to 10 days after election day, which is 26 March 2024.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

The return and scrutiny of the approximately 440,000 postal votes issued for the 2024 local government elections is ongoing.

To date, over 371,000 postal votes, or over 84 per cent, have already been returned, scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Postal votes for the Inala by-election is also in the process of being scrutinised and returned to the relevant Returning Officer for counting. To date, more than 88 per cent of postal votes for Inala have been returned and scrutinised.

The deadline for the return of postal votes is 26 March 2024.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on 22 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Thursday 22 March 2024

Ipswich West declaration made as local government declarations continue

On Friday, 22 March 2024, the ECQ declared the outcome of the Ipswich West State by-election, with Darren Zanow elected as a new Member of Parliament. The Writ for the by-election has been returned to Her Excellency the Governor.

The ECQ also formally declared results in the following local government contests on 21 March:

• Aurukun Aboriginal Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Boulia Shire Council – Councillors (4)
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, McDowall
• Burdekin Shire Council – Mayor
• Burdekin Shire Council – Councillors (6)
• Cairns Regional Council – Councillor, Division 3
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Central Highlands Regional Council – Mayor
• North Burnett Regional Council – Councillor, Division 5
• Scenic Rim Regional Council – Councillor, Division 1
• Scenic Rim Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Scenic Rim Regional Council – Councillor, Division 4
• Somerset Regional Council – Mayor
• Torres Shire Council – Mayor
• Western Downs Regional Council – Mayor
• Whitsunday Regional Council – Councillor, Division 2
• Whitsunday Regional Council – Councillor, Division 6
• Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council – Councillors (4).

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

As at 21 March, 115 declarations had been made for the local government elections, with counting continuing to finalise the remaining elections.

All mayoral and councillor positions have now been declared for five councils:

• Boulia Shire Council
• Burdekin Shire Council
• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council
• Mareeba Shire Council.

Counting is also continuing in the Inala State by-election. It is likely that a full preference count will be required after the close of postal vote returns on 26 March, to distribute the preferences of the eight candidates contesting the election and ensure certainty prior to a declaration.

Results for the Ipswich West and Inala State by-elections are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Counting will continue until all available votes have been counted, noting that postal votes can be accepted up to 10 days after election day, which is 26 March 2024.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

The return and scrutiny of the approximately 440,000 postal votes issued for the 2024 local government elections is ongoing.

To date, over 337,000 postal votes, or over 76 per cent, have already been returned, scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Postal votes for the Inala and Ipswich West by-elections are also in the process of being scrutinised and returned to the relevant Returning Officer for counting. To date, more than 79 per cent of postal votes for Inala have been returned and scrutinised and more than 83 per cent for Ipswich West.

The deadline for the return of postal votes is 26 March 2024.

Elected candidates

The following local government candidates were declared to be elected on 21 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Wednesday 20 March 2024

Eighteen positions declared as counting continues

The ECQ has formally declared results in the following contests:

• Blackall-Tambo Regional Council – Mayor
• Brisbane City Council – Councillor, Bracken Ridge
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Mayor
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Councillor, Division 3
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council – Councillors (6)
• Mareeba Shire Council – Councillors (6)
• Moreton Bay City Council – Councillor, Division 10
• Winton Shire Council – Mayor

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

As at 20 March, 82 declarations have been made, with 496 in progress.

All mayoral and councillor positions have now been declared for three councils: Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Mareeba Shire Council.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls.

On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website. Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

The first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Counting will continue until all available votes have been counted, noting that postal votes can be accepted up to 10 days after election day, which is 26 March 2024.

Declaration of results are made as soon as the outcome is certain. This is not always dependent on the full preference count or the return of postal votes if it is not possible for outstanding votes to affect the final result.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

The return and scrutiny of the approximately 440,000 postal votes issued for the 2024 local government elections is ongoing.

To date, over 337,000 postal votes, or over 76 per cent, have already been returned, scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Postal votes for the Inala and Ipswich West by-elections are also in the process of being scrutinised and returned to the relevant Returning Officer for counting. To date, more than 79 per cent of postal votes for Inala have been returned and scrutinised and more than 83 per cent for Ipswich West.

The deadline for the return of postal votes is 26 March 2024.

Elected candidates

The following candidates were declared to be elected on 20 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Six positions declared as counting continues

The ECQ has formally declared results in the following contests:

• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – Councillors
• Rockhampton Regional Council – Mayor
• Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council – Mayor

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

To date 64 declarations have been made, with 514 in progress.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls. On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website.

Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

Note that the first-past-the-post voting method is used for councillor elections in undivided councils, and counting in these elections are more complex and time intensive to complete.

On Monday, the vote exchange process was finalised for many councils, where votes taken outside the elector’s enrolled division or ward were returned to the relevant division.  These votes will now be added to the count in the respective areas.

Preference counts can only commence once all available ballot papers are on hand, including all postal ballots.

Counting will continue until all available votes have been counted, noting that postal votes can be accepted up to 10 days after election day, which is 26 March 2024.

A declaration of the result will be made as soon as the outcome is certain and is not always dependent on the full preference count.  In addition, under electoral legislation, the ECQ does not have to wait for all postal ballots to be returned to declare the result if there is no possibility of those votes affecting the result.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

The return and scrutiny of the approximately 440,000 postal votes issued for the 2024 local government elections is ongoing.

To date, over 337,000 postal votes, or over 76 per cent, have already been returned, scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Postal votes for the Inala and Ipswich West by-elections are also in the process of being scrutinised and returned to the relevant Returning Officer for counting. To date, more than 79 per cent of postal votes for Inala have been returned and scrutinised and more than 83 per cent for Ipswich West.

The deadline for the return of postal votes is 26 March 2024.

Elected candidates

The following candidates were declared to be elected, on 19 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Monday 18 March 2024

Counting continuing in 2024 local government elections and state by-elections

The ECQ has formally declared results in uncontested local government elections, with a total of 15 mayors and 42 councillors officially declared as elected.

Two mayoral positions were also declared yesterday, in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council.

A further four councillor candidates in the Torres Strait Island Regional Council area will be declared unopposed on Monday 25 March, as polling has been extended for one week due to severe weather in the region during the voting period.

These declarations are in accordance with section 100 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. View the ECQ’s election results website for more details.

Vote counting

The vote counting process is continuing following the close of polls. On election night, all Returning Officers commenced the preliminary count, with results published progressively on the ECQ’s results website.

Counting continued on Sunday, with the continuation of preliminary counts (if not already completed) and commencement of the official count.

On Monday, the vote exchange process was finalised for many councils, where votes taken outside the elector’s enrolled division or ward were returned to the relevant division.  These votes will now be added to the count in the respective areas.

Counting will continue until all available votes have been counted, noting that postal votes can be accepted up to 10 days after election day, which is 26 March 2024.

Declaration of results will be made as soon as the outcome is certain.

For more information about the vote counting process, view the animation on the ECQ website.

Postal voting

The return and scrutiny of the approximately 440,000 postal votes issued for the 2024 local government elections is ongoing.

To date, almost 315,000 postal votes, or over 71 per cent, have already been returned, scrutinised and either admitted to or rejected from the count for the local government elections.

Postal votes for the Inala and Ipswich West by-elections are also in the process of being scrutinised and returned to the relevant Returning Officer for counting.

The deadline for the return of postal votes is 26 March 2024.

Elected candidates

The following candidates were declared to be elected, including candidates who were elected unopposed, on 18 March 2024.

Notification of declarations and declaration notices are available on the ECQ’s election results website.

Resources for media organisations

2024 Media Statements

ENDS

Day 10 summary: Friday 15 March 2024

Over 1.4 million Queensland electors through the doors during early voting period

Early voting closed at 6pm this evening, with initial figures showing more than 1.4 million Queensland electors have made the decision to vote before election day tomorrow.

While this number represents  over 40 per cent of eligible voters, it also means that a big turnout is expected tomorrow on election day when voting resumes at 8am, at over 1,000 polling booths state-wide.

The ECQ is urging voters to be patient and prepared when they turn out to vote tomorrow and to bring along their Voter Information Card for a quicker voting experience.

Hydration and sun protection are also recommended, given the large numbers of Queenslanders still to vote, and the expectation that there may be wait times in some locations.

Around 190,000 electors turned out on Friday to vote, eclipsing the daily turnout figure of each of the other nine days of early voting during this election.

Turnout figures from across the state are continuing to come through this evening, and a final early voting figure is expected to be known tomorrow morning.

Friday’s turnout so far brings the state-wide total to more than 1.4 million including returned postal votes and telephone votes.

Total early voting figures for the two state by-elections in Inala and Ipswich West will be available tomorrow.

Over 295,000 of over 440,000 postal votes had been returned as of 6pm today. All postal voters are requested to complete their votes and return them to the ECQ as soon as possible. All votes must be completed before 6pm on election day and the ECQ must receive them by Tuesday, 26 March to be counted.

The ECQ reminds all Queenslanders that voting is compulsory and that the penalty for failing to vote is $154.80.

Election day voting on Saturday 16 March will be from 8am until 6pm at around 1,000 election day booths across Queensland.

Daily summaries are being added to the ECQ website progressively here.

Election data including turnout figures for each local government area are being added to the Election Data section on our website here. A similar report on by-election voting figures is also available here.

The 24-hour disclosure period for candidates commenced last week, meaning all electoral expenditure, gifts and loans must be disclosed within 24 hours of being received.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Over 440,000 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections, and as of 6pm today, more than 295,000 postal votes, or over 67 per cent, had already been completed and returned.

Early return of postal votes assists the counting and declaration process by ensuring those votes can be scrutinised and included in the count when it commences after the close of polling.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early voting

Early voting closed at 6pm this evening, Friday, 15 March.

As of 6pm today, around 1.1 million electors had voted during the early voting period.

Around 160* early voting centres were available state-wide during the voting period.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 17,000 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 6pm on Friday, 15 March and over 14,600 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Electors are encouraged to bring these with them when they come to vote for quicker voting.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll have also received an electronic version of the card and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 9 summary: Thursday 14 March 2024

Early voting open until 6pm Friday 15 March, on poll eve

Early voting numbers have continued to increase across Queensland with the early voting period concluding at 6pm on Friday 15 March.

The total number of votes cast for the 2024 local government elections is now more than 1.18 million, with a full day of early voting still to go.

Almost 130,000 electors turned out on Thursday to vote, bringing the state-wide total to over 1,183,000, including returned postal votes and telephone votes.

In the two state by-elections, over 12,500 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 10,300 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Thursday 14 March, including returned postal votes.

Around 268,000 of over 440,000 postal votes had been returned as of Thursday. All postal voters are requested to complete their votes and return them to the ECQ as soon as possible. All votes must be completed before 6pm on election day and the ECQ must receive them by Tuesday, 26 March to be counted.

The ECQ reminds all Queenslanders that voting is compulsory and that the penalty for failing to vote is $154.80.

Election day voting on Saturday 16 March will be from 8am until 6pm at around 1,000 election day booths across Queensland.

Daily summaries are being added to the ECQ website progressively here.

Election data including turnout figures for each local government area are being added to the Election Data section on our website here. A similar report on by-election voting figures is also available here.

The 24-hour disclosure period for candidates commenced last week, meaning all electoral expenditure, gifts and loans must be disclosed within 24 hours of being received.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Over 440,000 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections, and as of Thursday, around 268,000 postal votes, or about 61 per cent, had already been completed and returned.

Early return of postal votes assists the counting and declaration process by ensuring those votes can be scrutinised and included in the count when it commences after the close of polling.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early voting

Early voting is available until 6pm on Friday, 15 March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

As of Thursday, over 900,000 electors had voted during the early voting period, with two days of early voting remaining before election day on Saturday, 16 March.

Electors can search for or view a list of all early voting centres and polling booths on the ECQ website.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 14,500 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm on Thursday, 14 March and over 12,000 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll have also received an electronic version of the card and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• around 91,500 calls
• over 6,700 social media messages and comments, with around 2,200 responses issued, and
• around 250 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 8 summary: Wednesday 13 March 2024

Over 1 million Queenslanders have elected to vote early, two days out from poll

The biggest day of early voting so far has seen the total number of votes cast for the 2024 local government elections push past one million.

More than 116,000 electors turned out on Wednesday to vote, bringing the state-wide total to over 1,010,000, including returned postal votes and telephone votes.

In the two state by-elections, over 10,800 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 9,100 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Wednesday 13 March, including returned postal votes.

Around 235,000 of over 440,000 postal votes had been returned as of Wednesday. All postal voters are requested to complete their votes and return them to the ECQ as soon as possible. All votes must be completed before 6pm on election day and the ECQ must receive them by Tuesday, 26 March to be counted.

The ECQ reminds all Queenslanders that voting is compulsory and that the penalty for failing to vote is $154.80.

Daily summaries are being added to the ECQ website progressively here.

Election data including turnout figures for each local government area are being added to the Election Data section on our website here. A similar report on by-election voting figures is also available here.

The 24-hour disclosure period for candidates commenced last week, meaning all electoral expenditure, gifts and loans must be disclosed within 24 hours of being received.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Over 440,000 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections, and as of Wednesday, around 235,000 postal votes, or about 53 per cent, had already been completed and returned.

Early return of postal votes assists the counting and declaration process by ensuring those votes can be scrutinised and included in the count when it commences after the close of polling.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early voting

Early voting is available until Friday, 15 March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

As of Wednesday, over 770,000 electors had voted during the early voting period, with two days of early voting remaining before election day on Saturday, 16 March.

Electors can search for or view a list of all early voting centres and polling booths on the ECQ website.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 12,500 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm on Wednesday, 13 March and over 10,000 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll have also received an electronic version of the card and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• over 86,000 calls
• over 6,500 social media messages and comments, with over 2,100 responses issued, and
• around 230 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 7 summary: Tuesday 12 March 2024

Almost 25 per cent of Queenslanders have already voted

Strong early voting numbers continue in the second week of early voting, as election day approaches.

Around 111,000 electors turned out on Tuesday to cast their votes for the 2024 local government elections, bringing the state-wide total to over 856,000, including returned postal votes and telephone votes.

In the two state by-elections, over 9,200 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 8,100 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Tuesday 12 March, including returned postal votes.

Around 194,000 of over 440,000 postal votes had been returned as of Tuesday. All postal voters are requested to complete their votes and return them to the ECQ as soon as possible. All votes must be completed before 6pm on election day and the ECQ must receive them by Tuesday, 26 March to be counted.

The ECQ reminds all Queenslanders that voting is compulsory and that the penalty for failing to vote is $154.80.

Daily summaries are being added to the ECQ website progressively here.

Election data including turnout figures for each local government area are being added to the Election Data section on our website here. A similar report on by-election voting figures is also available here.

The 24-hour disclosure period for candidates commenced last week, meaning all electoral expenditure, gifts and loans must be disclosed within 24 hours of being received.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Over 440,000 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections, and as of Tuesday, around 194,000 postal votes, or almost 44 per cent, had already been completed and returned.

Early return of postal votes assists the counting and declaration process by ensuring those votes can be scrutinised and included in the count when it commences after the close of polling.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early voting

Early voting is available until Friday, 15 March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

As of Tuesday, over 650,000 electors had voted during the early voting period, with three days of early voting remaining before election day on Saturday, 16 March.

Electors can search for or view a list of all early voting centres and polling booths on the ECQ website.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 10,000 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm on Tuesday, 12 March and over 8,000 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll have also received an electronic version of the card and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• over 81,000 calls
• over 6,300 social media messages and comments, with over 2,000 responses issued, and
• around 220 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 6 summary: Monday 11 March 2024

Almost 20 per cent of Queenslanders have already voted

Early voting numbers continued to trend upward as the final week of early voting got underway.

Almost 109,000 electors turned out on Monday to cast their votes for the 2024 local government elections, bringing the state-wide total to almost 692,000, including returned postal votes and telephone votes.

In the two state by-elections, over 7,200 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 7,100 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Monday 11 March, including returned postal votes.

Postal voters are requested to complete their votes as soon as possible after they receive their postal voting materials. All postal votes must be completed by 6pm on election day and the ECQ must receive them by Tuesday, 26 March to be counted.

The ECQ reminds all Queenslanders that voting is compulsory and that the penalty for failing to vote is $154.80.

Daily summaries are being added to the ECQ website progressively here.

Election data including turnout figures for each local government area are being added to the Election Data section on our website here. A similar report on by-election voting figures is also available here.

The 24-hour disclosure period for candidates commenced last week, meaning all electoral expenditure, gifts and loans must be disclosed within 24 hours of being received.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Around 446,400 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Monday 5pm, around 145,000 postal votes had already been completed and returned.

Early voting

Early voting is available until Friday, 15 March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

Electors can search for or view a list of all early voting centres in Queensland on the ECQ website.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 9,000 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm on Monday, 11 March and almost 7,000 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll have also received an electronic version of the card and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• Almost 76,000 calls
• over 6,200 social media messages and comments, with over 2,000 responses issued, and
• 203 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 5 summary: Friday 8 March 2024

Friday early voting numbers top 100,000

Early voting numbers across Queensland continued to progressively increase last week with Friday’s turnout the biggest since early voting centres opened their doors on Monday 4 March.

More than 100,000 turned out to cast their votes for the 2024 local government elections, bringing the state-wide total to more than 568,000, including returned postal votes and telephone votes.

In the two state by-elections, over 5,800 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 6,100 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Friday 8 March, including returned postal votes.

The ECQ reminds all Queenslanders that voting is compulsory and that the penalty for failing to vote is $154.80.

Daily summaries are being added to the ECQ website progressively here.

Election data including turnout figures for each local government area are being added to the Election Data section on our website here. A similar report on by-election voting figures is also available here.

The 24-hour disclosure period for candidates commenced last week, meaning all electoral expenditure, gifts and loans must be disclosed within 24 hours of being received.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Around 446,400 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Friday 5pm, around almost 134,000 postal votes had already been completed and returned.

Early voting

Early voting is available until Friday, 15 March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

A list of all early voting centres in Queensland has been added to the website to further support electors to find the information they need.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

By comparison, around 95,000 early votes were taken on day five of early voting in 2020.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 7,000 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm on Friday, 8 March and more than 5,100 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll have also received an electronic version of the card and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• more than 71,000 calls
• over 6,000 social media messages and comments, with almost 2,000 responses issued, and
• 190 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 4 summary: Thursday 7 March 2024

Early voting numbers again top 80,000 on day four

Over 12 percent of Queensland electors have already cast their votes for the 2024 local government elections, with Queenslanders continuing to vote early in strong numbers.

After the fourth day of voting, more than 425,000 votes had been taken, including returned postal votes and telephone votes.

Thursday also saw the commencement of the 24-hour disclosure period for candidates, meaning all electoral expenditure, gifts and loans must be disclosed within 24 hours of being received.

In the two state by-elections, over 4,100 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 5,000 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Thursday, 7 March, including returned postal votes.

Daily summaries are being added to the ECQ website progressively here.

Election data including turnout figures for each local government area are being added to the Election Data section on our website here. A similar report on by-election voting figures is also available here.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Around 446,400 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Thursday 5pm, around almost 98,000 postal votes had already been completed and returned.

Early voting

Early voting is available until Friday, 15 March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

A list of all early voting centres in Queensland has been added to the website to further support electors to find the information they need.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

By comparison, around 100,000 early votes were taken on day four of early voting in 2020.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Almost 5,700 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm and more than 3,900 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll have also received an electronic version of the card and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• more than 67,000 calls
• over 5,700 social media messages and comments, with over 1,800 responses issued, and
• 183 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 3 summary: Wednesday 6 March 2024

Biggest day of early voting so far

Early voting centres across Queensland recorded its biggest day so far, welcoming more than 83,000 electors through the doors to cast their votes for the 2024 local government elections.

After the third day of early voting, more than 306,000 votes had been taken, including returned postal votes.

Seven days of early voting remain until election day on Saturday 16 March with early indications that early voting is likely to again be the most popular way for Queenslanders to have their say.

Electors are reminded that they can take advantage of the remaining early voting period to cast their vote in the elections.

In the two state by-elections, over 3,200 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 4,100 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Tuesday, 5 March, including returned postal votes.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Around 440,000 postal votes have been issued for the 2024 local government elections.

The ECQ is continuing to process applications that were lodged prior to the deadline so the final number of postal votes issued, including special postal voters and full postal ballot areas, is still to be confirmed.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Wednesday 5pm, around 66,000 postal votes had already been completed and returned.

Early voting

Early voting is available until March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

A list of all early voting centres in Queensland has been added to the website to further support electors to find the information they need.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

By comparison, almost 100,000 early votes were taken on day three of early voting in 2020.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Almost 4,500 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm and more than 2,800 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ
  The cut-off time for postal vote applications passed at 7pm Monday 4 March.

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll will also receive an electronic version of the card soon and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• more than 63,300 calls
• over 5,600 social media messages and comments, with almost 1,800 responses issued, and
• 171 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS

Day 2 summary: Tuesday 5 March 2024

Early voting numbers remain consistent on second day of voting

More than 70,000 Queenslanders turned out yesterday to cast their votes for the 2024 local government elections, bringing the overall turnout figure so far, to more than 170,000, including returned postal votes.

Eight days of early voting remain until election day on Saturday 16 March with early indications that early voting is likely to again be the most popular way for Queenslanders to have their say.

In the two state by-elections, over 1,600 electors had cast their votes in Inala and over 2,500 in Ipswich West as at 5pm on Tuesday, 5 March.

Demand for information about early voting centre locations and times was again high across the ECQ website, call centre and social media channels. To further support electors, static lists of all early voting centres statewide in PDF and Excel formats have been added to the ECQ website.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments.

Key information

Postal voting

Around 440,000 postal votes have been issued so far, with the cut-off time for postal vote applications passing at 7pm Monday evening.

The ECQ is continuing to process applications that were lodged prior to the deadline so the final number of postal votes issued, including special postal voters and full postal ballot areas, is still to be confirmed.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Tuesday afternoon, around 25,800 postal votes had already been completed and returned.

Early voting

Early voting is available until March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

A list of all early voting centres in Queensland has been added to the website to further support electors to find the information they need.

Around 160* early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

By comparison, around 170,000 early votes were also taken after day two of early voting in 2020.

*Note: Revised number of early voting centres is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 2,800 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm and more than 1,700 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll will also receive an electronic version of the card soon and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• more than 58,000 calls
• around 5,500 social media messages and comments, with over 1,700 responses issued, and
• 160 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media Kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election Facts Register

ENDS

Day 1 summary: Monday 4 March 2024

Strong turnout on day one of early voting

Early voting commenced yesterday, 4 March for the 2024 local government elections and Inala and Ipswich West State by-elections.

On day one of early voting, almost 70,000 votes had been taken across around 160* early voting centres state-wide. In each of the two state by-elections, around 600 electors had cast their votes.

In 2024, 3.65 million Queenslanders are enrolled to vote in the elections for the mayors and councillors that will make up Queensland’s 77 local governments, including around 400,000 new electors who have been added to the roll since 2020.

*Note: Revised number of EVCs is due to the abolishment of some booths due to uncontested elections.

Key information

Postal voting

Over 440,000 postal votes had been issued as at the cut-off time for postal vote applications of 7pm Monday evening.

The ECQ is continuing to process applications that were lodged prior to the deadline so the final number of postal votes issued, including special postal voters and full postal ballot areas, is still to be confirmed.

For the 2020 elections, approximately 570,000 postal votes were issued, noting that postal voting numbers increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Monday afternoon, nearly 12,000 postal votes had already been completed and returned.

Early voting

Early voting is available from 4-15 March, with some reduced voting times in more regional and remote locations. Electors are urged to check the ECQ website for voting locations and times.

Around 160 early voting centres will be available state-wide during the voting period, noting local times and dates on the ECQ website.

By comparison, around 74,000 early votes were taken after day one of early voting in 2020.

Telephone voting

Telephone voting is available to electors who meet the eligibility criteria, including an inability to attend a polling place due to illness, impairment or disability.

Over 1,300 registrations for telephone voting had been received as at 5pm and more than 700 votes already lodged.

Election timetable

• 4 March - Applications close for postal voting at 7pm
• 4 March - Registrations for telephone voting commence
• 4-15 March - Early voting period
• 16 March - Election Day
• 26 March - Last day for the return of postal votes to the ECQ

Voter Information Cards

Voter Information Cards have been printed and despatched to all electors across the state. Delivery is now underway via Australia Post.

Electors with an email address listed on the electoral roll will also receive an electronic version of the card soon and electors with a mobile number listed will receive an election day reminder SMS from the ECQ.

Elector engagement and support

The ECQ is providing information and support to electors via phone, email and social media platforms.

Since the commencement of the election period on 29 January ECQ staff have handled:

• more than 53,000 calls
• over 5,200 social media messages and comments, with almost 1,600 responses issued, and
• 148 media enquiries.

Resources for media organisations

• Media kit for the 2024 local government elections
• 2024 Media Statements
• Election facts register

ENDS