NOTICE OF TRRA INC. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING MONDAY 16 JULY 2012
AT the 4 June TRRA General Meeting, the procedures for voting and counting of votes were discussed. Although attempts were made to provide a simple explanation of the processes involved there was a general consensus that they are so complex as to require further information from Council or the Australian Election Company (AEC) which has been commissioned to conduct the election. The implications of the popular election of the Mayor were considered to necessitate clarification for voters.
It was resolved to schedule a Special General Meeting of TRRA Inc. in July ( Monday 16 July is proposed) at which information on the election process would be provided. An informal approach to Council requesting an explanation of this complex process in layman’s terms was declined on the basis that the contract with AEC was designed to save money and only provides for a few briefing sessions for candidates and agents. A written request has now been sent to Council for a presentation by an officer or a representative of the AEC on the process.
These briefings have been arranged over the coming weeks and some information made available for this purpose (click here) has been passed on to TRRA. While this indicates that there will be separate ballot papers for the Mayoral and Ward Councillor elections, there is limited explanation of the preference counting rules or what happens where a candidate stands for both Mayor and Group Leader for a Ward Councillor.
The July Special Meeting agenda will also include discussion of a proposal to develop a list of issues/ questions which could be submitted to candidates to be invited to our our General Meeting on 13 August. There will also time for some general business.
It is important that voters fully understand the election process so that they can make sure that in completing the ballot papers on 8 September they achieve the result that they desire for the next council.
Geoff Washington, TRRA Inc. President
