The Victorian state election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026. Here’s what you need to know about councillors standing as candidates.
Any City of Greater Geelong councillors who choose to stand as candidates in the upcoming Victorian state election remain subject to the Local Government Act 2020 , the Model Councillor Code of Conduct and the City’s Councillor Candidate Guidelines – State and Federal Elections .
All Councillors are aware of these obligations.
The Guidelines are designed to support transparency, integrity and public confidence.
They create a clear separation between a Councillor’s responsibilities to the community in their local government role and their activities as an election candidate.
Councillors who become prospective or nominated candidates are expected to maintain that separation, avoid conflicts of interest and refrain from using Council resources, information, branding or staff to support campaign activities.
The City is committed to being politically neutral at all times.
It does not endorse, support or oppose any Councillor seeking election to state or federal parliament.
Community members seeking information about candidates, nominations, voting arrangements or compliance with electoral regulations should contact the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) .
The VEC is responsible for administering Victorian elections.
View our Councillor Candidate Guidelines .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Councillor allowed to stand for state parliament?
Yes. Councillors may nominate as candidates in state elections. While doing so, they remain bound by the Local Government Act 2020, the Model Councillor Code of Conduct and the City’s Councillor Candidate Guidelines.
Does a Councillor have to resign from Council to run for state parliament?
No. There is currently no legislative requirement for a Councillor to resign from Council or take a compulsory leave of absence simply because they are standing as a candidate.
Does a Councillor have to take leave while campaigning?
The City’s Guidelines strongly encourage Councillors who become candidates to seek a leave of absence at least by the close of nominations ( 9 November 2026) to help maintain a clear separation between Council responsibilities and campaign activities and to support public confidence in Council decision-making.
Can Councillors use council resources for campaigning?
No. Councillors must not use Council resources, facilities, equipment, staff, branding, information or systems for election campaign purposes.
Can the City support or endorse a candidate?
No. The City of Greater Geelong remains politically neutral. It does not endorse, support or oppose any candidate in a state or federal election.
Where should questions about candidates, nominations or voting be directed?
Questions about candidates, nominations, electoral processes, enrolment or voting should be directed to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) , the independent authority responsible for administering Victorian elections.
What happens if a Councillor is elected to parliament?
A Councillor who is successfully elected to state or federal parliament must resign from Council, as a member of parliament is not eligible to continue serving as a Councillor under the Local Government Act 2020.
