Staff writers
The Victorian Electoral Commission has declared the election for the Narracan District “has failed” as a result of the death of Nationals Party candidate Shaun Gilchrist yesterday.
Under Victorian laws, if a candidate dies before 6pm on election day, then the election for that district is declared failed and nomination deposits are returned to all candidates in the district.
Acting VEC commissioner Dana Fleming said voters in Narracan are still required to vote for their Upper House candidates.
“Votes received to date for Narracan District will be set aside and from this point on only Upper House ballot papers for Eastern Victoria Region will be taken and counted,” Ms Fleming said.
“A writ will be issued for a supplementary election for Narracan District, using the electoral roll prepared for the original election.
“The VEC will seek a timeline for the supplementary election and communicate this as it is known.”
Ms Fleming sent her condolences to Mr Gilchrist’s family, friends and loved ones.
“I acknowledge that the local community will also be in mourning,” Ms Fleming said.
