News
10 July, 2025
Postal by-election
Somerset Regional Council has written to the Minister for Local Government and Water requesting approval to conduct the upcoming by-election via postal ballot, aiming to reduce costs and make voting more accessible.
The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor Kylee Isidro, announced at the Ordinary Meeting on 18 June. The councillor position became officially vacant on 24 June.
Mayor Jason Wendt said Council had the choice of an attendance election or a postal ballot and believed the postal option would be more financially sensible. “Given the largest Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) expense is for wages associated with counting votes and resourcing polling stations, we expect a postal ballot would be the cheaper option,” he said.
While the exact cost is not yet known, the by-election could cost up to $200,000. For comparison, the 2024 local government election cost Council $199,814. These expenses were not included in the 2025–2026 Budget, so a budget review is likely to be required.
“We want to make this process as simple and cost-effective as possible for our residents, who have already had local, State, and Federal elections in the past two years,” Cr Wendt said. He added that a postal ballot could also help reduce voter fatigue by providing a convenient option for participation.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Luke Hannan said during a special Council meeting on 1 July that both the ECQ and another Queensland council of similar size had confirmed postal ballots were a more cost-effective option. “The primary risk associated with this process is ensuring voter participation and managing the costs effectively and responsibly,” he said. “The postal ballot is expected to mitigate these risks.”
If approved by the Minister, Council plans to boost public communication through media and social channels to ensure voters are well informed and know how to contact the ECQ.
Mr Hannan also noted that a postal ballot might delay the outcome of the election beyond the two-month timeframe specified under the Local Government Act 2009. However, the ECQ has confirmed that such a delay would not invalidate the election.
Cr Wendt praised Cr Isidro for her service and expressed hope that her replacement would bring the same energy to the role. “The life of a councillor is one of the most rewarding jobs anyone can take on, but can also be one of the most difficult challenges you will ever face,” he said. “I hope the community member who steps forward to fill Cr Isidro’s position does so with the same enthusiastic and collaborative mindset she has shown.”
A date for the by-election has not yet been set.
