Electoral representation reviews: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electoral representation review?
When do representation reviews take place, and who conducts them?
What is the purpose of a representation review?
What can't a representation review do?
On what basis does the VEC make its recommendations?
How can I make a submission?
How can I get copies of the Preliminary and Final Reports?
The review must ensure that all votes in a municipality have the same value. To achieve this, the VEC looks at the number of voters represented by each councillor in each ward. For each councillor, this number must be within 10% of the average number of voters per councillor for the whole municipality.
We also consider the voting system. According to the Local Government Act 1989, different voting systems apply in different structures. Wards with only one councillor must elect that councillor using preferential voting, and wards with two or more councillors must elect them via proportional representation. If a municipality is unsubdivided, then all its councillors must be elected using proportional representation. Each system has different advantages and disadvantages.
At the end of the review, the Electoral Commission makes a recommendation to the Minister for Local Government. The Minister has the power to act on it.
This system of electoral representation reviews began in late 2003. The Minister for Local Government determines when the first review for each council will take place under this system.
The VEC is an independent statutory authority. It conducts reviews independently of both councils and the State government.
1: to ensure that the number of voters represented by each councillor is within 10% of the average number of voters per councillor for that municipality
Populations are continually changing - they grow in some areas and decline in others. Over time, these changes can lead to some wards having larger or smaller numbers of voters. In conducting an electoral representation review, we need to correct any imbalances that have come about. Where possible, we also try to set boundaries that will continue to provide equitable representation until the next review is due, by taking account of likely future changes.
2: to take a consistent, State-wide approach to the total number of councillors
The VEC looks at the numbers of councillors in municipalities of similar sizes and similar circumstances within Victoria. We use this as a guide to how many councillors a municipality should have. We also take into account any special circumstances that warrant having more or fewer councillors than similar municipalities.
3: to ensure that communities of interest are as fairly represented as possible
Every municipality contains a number of communities of interest. Communities of interest are groups of people who share a range of common concerns or aspirations. Communities of interest may occur where people are linked with each other geographically (e.g. a town or valley) or economically, such as where people work in similar industries (e.g. tourism) or where people work in mutually-dependant industries (e.g. fruit growers, transporters and canners). Communities of interest may also include ethnic groups, retired people, the unemployed or many other groupings of people. The electoral structure should be designed to take these into account where practicable. This is important for assisting the elected councillors to be effective representatives of the people in their municipality.
Input from the public is an important part of the process, but it is not the only factor considered. The VEC's recommendations are not made by a "straw poll" of the number of submissions supporting particular models. We aim to ensure fair and equitable representation for all voters in a municipality. This includes carefully considering all views expressed in submissions from the public. It also means considering other factors, like giving representation to communities of interest (including ones that are not particularly vocal).
When do representation reviews take place, and who conducts them?
What is the purpose of a representation review?
What can't a representation review do?
On what basis does the VEC make its recommendations?
How can I make a submission?
How can I get copies of the Preliminary and Final Reports?
What is an electoral representation review?
An electoral representation review considers:- the number of councillors in a municipality;
- whether a municipality should be unsubdivided or subdivided into wards; and
- if it should be subdivided, what the ward boundaries should be.
The review must ensure that all votes in a municipality have the same value. To achieve this, the VEC looks at the number of voters represented by each councillor in each ward. For each councillor, this number must be within 10% of the average number of voters per councillor for the whole municipality.
We also consider the voting system. According to the Local Government Act 1989, different voting systems apply in different structures. Wards with only one councillor must elect that councillor using preferential voting, and wards with two or more councillors must elect them via proportional representation. If a municipality is unsubdivided, then all its councillors must be elected using proportional representation. Each system has different advantages and disadvantages.
When do representation reviews take place, and who conducts them?
The Local Government Act 1989 specifies that:- electoral representation reviews must be conducted before every second council election; and
- a council must appoint an Electoral Commission to undertake the review.
At the end of the review, the Electoral Commission makes a recommendation to the Minister for Local Government. The Minister has the power to act on it.
This system of electoral representation reviews began in late 2003. The Minister for Local Government determines when the first review for each council will take place under this system.
The VEC is an independent statutory authority. It conducts reviews independently of both councils and the State government.
What is the purpose of a representation review?
Section 219D of the Local Government Act 1989 specifies that the purpose of a representation review is to achieve "fair and equitable representation for the persons who are entitled to vote at a general election of the Council." The VEC achieves this by following three main principles:1: to ensure that the number of voters represented by each councillor is within 10% of the average number of voters per councillor for that municipality
Populations are continually changing - they grow in some areas and decline in others. Over time, these changes can lead to some wards having larger or smaller numbers of voters. In conducting an electoral representation review, we need to correct any imbalances that have come about. Where possible, we also try to set boundaries that will continue to provide equitable representation until the next review is due, by taking account of likely future changes.
2: to take a consistent, State-wide approach to the total number of councillors
The VEC looks at the numbers of councillors in municipalities of similar sizes and similar circumstances within Victoria. We use this as a guide to how many councillors a municipality should have. We also take into account any special circumstances that warrant having more or fewer councillors than similar municipalities.
3: to ensure that communities of interest are as fairly represented as possible
Every municipality contains a number of communities of interest. Communities of interest are groups of people who share a range of common concerns or aspirations. Communities of interest may occur where people are linked with each other geographically (e.g. a town or valley) or economically, such as where people work in similar industries (e.g. tourism) or where people work in mutually-dependant industries (e.g. fruit growers, transporters and canners). Communities of interest may also include ethnic groups, retired people, the unemployed or many other groupings of people. The electoral structure should be designed to take these into account where practicable. This is important for assisting the elected councillors to be effective representatives of the people in their municipality.
What can't a representation review do?
The review cannot change the external boundaries of the municipality, divide the municipality into two separate municipalities or amalgamate it with another municipality.On what basis does the VEC make its recommendations?
The VEC bases its recommendations on a number of factors. We:- conduct our own research;
- draw on our experience conducting electoral representation reviews across Victoria and assisting the Electoral Boundaries Commission (external link);
- draw on our expertise at mapping, demography and local government; and
- carefully consider all input from the public.
Input from the public is an important part of the process, but it is not the only factor considered. The VEC's recommendations are not made by a "straw poll" of the number of submissions supporting particular models. We aim to ensure fair and equitable representation for all voters in a municipality. This includes carefully considering all views expressed in submissions from the public. It also means considering other factors, like giving representation to communities of interest (including ones that are not particularly vocal).
How can I make a submission?
For information about how to make a submission, download a copy of the Guide for Submissions for your municipality from this website or contact us to have one sent to you.How can I get copies of the Preliminary and Final Reports?
Copies of the Preliminary and Final Reports are available from this website or you can contact us to have one sent to you.