Amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 mean that voting in local government elections is now compulsory for all electors on the State roll. Councils have a significant impact on the lives of all Tasmanians, enabling the economic, social and cultural development of the community, supporting individuals and groups, and providing a wide range of services for the well-being of the community.
Councillors play a vital leadership role, working together to create and implement their community’s vision and strategic direction.
Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors are all elected for four-year terms. Mayors and Deputy Mayors are popularly elected by the community.
How elections work
Tasmanian local government elections are conducted by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) using a postal ballot. You do not need to attend a polling booth.
The voting system used is the Hare-Clark proportional representation system (like state elections). This system ensures fair representation across the community.
Who is eligible to vote?
Everyone on the State roll is automatically enrolled and required to vote in local government elections.
To check if you are enrolled on the State roll, please refer to the Check my Enrolment page on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
Other people who own or occupy land in the municipal area or are the nominated representatives of a corporate body which owns or occupies land in the municipal area, may also be eligible to enrol, but must lodge an enrolment application with the Chief Executive Officer.
General Manager's Electoral Roll eligibility
You may be eligible for the General Manager's Electoral Roll if:
- you are a resident in the Launceston municipality, but not eligible for the State electoral roll; or
- you own or occupy land in Launceston, but do not live in Launceston; or
- you are the nominated representative of a corporate body, which owns or occupies land in Launceston.
A voter, in an election in respect of one municipal area, has a maximum of two votes:
- one vote is in their own right; and
- one vote on behalf of a corporate body
Enrolment is not automatic - you must apply.
Enrol for the General Manager's Electoral Roll
Please complete the relevant form:
General Manager's Roll - Enrolment Form (non-resident)
General Manager's Roll - Enrolment Form (corporation nominee)
To submit your form you can either
Deliver your relevant form to the City of Launceston Customer Service Centre, Town Hall
Mail your relevant form to the Chief Executive Officer, City of Launceston, PO Box 396, Launceston TAS 7250.
Email your relevant form to contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au
You will be notified if your enrolment is approved or rejected.
Voting
- Compulsory for people on the State Electoral Roll
- Not compulsory for those on the General Manager’s Roll
Local Government elections are a full postal ballot which means there is a polling period rather than one polling day. Every elector will be sent their very own postal ballot pack at their postal address. You then have around 4 weeks to complete your vote and:
- hand deliver to the Town Hall, 16-28 St John Street, Launceston or
- mail using the Reply Paid envelope in your ballot pack.
Please note that if you are mailing your vote to the returning officer, you should do so allowing sufficient time for the mail to be received prior to the close of polling.
Elections are conducted by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC). Further information regarding enrolment, elections and voting is available on the TEC website
2026 Local Government Elections: Information for Prospective Candidates
Local government plays a vital role in shaping Tasmanian communities, from roads, infrastructure and planning to services and community wellbeing. The 2026 local government elections are an opportunity for electors to choose who will represent them, including councillors, mayors and deputy mayors.
If you are considering nominating, now is the time to learn about the role, eligibility requirements, nomination process, campaigning obligations and election timetable.
Election overview
In September and October 2026, elections will be held across all 29 Tasmanian local government areas. Elections are conducted by postal ballot and voting is compulsory for all electors on the State roll.
The City of Launceston will have nine Councillor positions open for election, along with the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, for a four-year term.
Candidate handbooks and official information
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) is the official source of information about candidate eligibility, nominations and the election timetable.
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has also released a Candidate Handbook to support anyone considering running for local council and to explain the role and responsibilities of a Councillor. View the Candidate Handbook here.
Election timetable
- Monday 7 September 2026: Nominations open
- Thursday 10 September 2026: Enrolment closes at 6pm
- Monday 21 September 2026: Nominations close at 12 noon
- Tuesday 22 September 2026: Nominations announced at 12 noon
- Monday 5 October 2026: Ballot packs delivered by post
- Tuesday 27 October 2026: Close of poll at 2pm
- Wednesday 28 October 2026: Counting commences
Advertising and signage
The City of Launceston supports fair and lawful election campaigning and has adopted a Political Advertising and Election Signage Policy to provide clarity for candidates, political parties, property owners and the broader community. Candidates are responsible for ensuring all election advertising and signage complies with relevant election requirements, including Council’s Political Advertising and Election Signage Policy(PDF, 121KB).
Download the Election Signage Guide(PDF, 166KB)
Key dates
- Polling day: 27 October 2026
- Election signs can be displayed from 1 September 2026 (8 weeks before polling day)
- Election signs must be removed by 3 November 2026 (within 7 days after polling day)
Reporting non-compliant signage
Complaints about election signage that may breach planning requirements can be submitted to the City of Launceston via the following methods.
Please include a photograph of the sign, along with the date, time and location.
Useful websites