Townsville City Council has resolved to write to the Electoral Commissioner of Queensland requesting a postal vote be used as the method for the upcoming Division 1 by-election.
The Special Council meeting today comes after Division 1 Councillor, Paul Jacob resigned at Council’s meeting last Wednesday, 15 July 2026, effective immediately.
Section 163 of the Local Government Act 2009 (LGA) requires the filling of the vacant office within 2 months after the office becomes vacant. The Electoral Commission Queensland will run the by-election.
Mayor Nick Dametto said while the by-election could be conducted as an in-person election or a postal ballot, Councillors made the decision based on a number of factors, including ease of attendance, cost to ratepayers and voter fatigue.
“Some Division 1 residents will be staring down the barrel of their sixth time voting in the space of about two and a half years,” Cr Dametto said.
“Since 2024, they have seen local, State and Federal Government elections, as well as the Mayoral and Hinchinbrook by-elections.
“The cost of a postal by-election in Division 1 is estimated at $129,000, while the polling booth method would cost approximately $255,000.
“A postal ballot will not only save the ratepayer around $126,000 as opposed to traditional in-person voting, but it aids in addressing voter fatigue by providing an easily accessible and convenient way for voters of all abilities.
“This option provides the best opportunity to maximise participation in an accessible and cost-effective way.”
While Council has made the recommendation to the Electoral Commissioner that the vote take place as a postal ballot, the Electoral Commissioner is required to refer the application to the Minister for Local Government and Water, The Hon Ann Leahy for the Minister’s decision on the application.
Once receiving the Electoral Commissioner’s recommendations, the Minister will then make the final decision on both the method of voting and the by-election date. In accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), the vacancy should be filled within two months.
