FOUR Indigo Shire Council candidates have officially nominated for the council election to be by postal vote from October 7.

As of Thursday morning, Mayor Sophie Price, fellow councillors Diane Shepheard and Bernard Gafney along with Graham Parton had officially lodged nominations according to the Victorian Electoral Commission website.

Nominations opened on Monday and will close at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 17.

As earlier reported in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, among Mr Parton’s top priorities as a potential councillor included preservation of heritage and the unique character of shire towns and villages, protecting the environment as well as balancing infrastructure and planning for the shire’s growth.

Scott Landells has also announced his intentions to nominate for council who said if elected as a councillor a team-oriented approach would prevail working with councillors as well as with communities on their priorities.

Candidates will be updated progressively on the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website during the nomination period.

A ballot draw, to determine the order candidates are listed on the ballot papers, will be conducted on September 18.

Contact details for candidates provided for public use will be available on the VEC website as candidates are listed during the nomination period.

A list will also be posted at the end of the day at each council’s election office.

Candidates have the option of completing a questionnaire to allow voters to compare candidates’ experience.

Answers, where provided, will be available on the VEC website from Wednesday, September 18.

Candidate statements and photographs, where provided, will be available online from September 18.

Ballot packs will be posted to all enrolled voters from October 7, containing a ballot paper, together with their statements.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne said councils should reflect the communities they represent.

"I encourage local leaders to consider nominating in the upcoming local government elections,” she said.

“Our reforms will create a uniform code of conduct across all councillors and introduce mandatory training, supporting good governance at councils and ensuring they focus on the needs of the communities they represent.”

You must post your ballot or drop it off at the election office before 6pm on Friday, October 25.

Election results will be declared on Friday, November 15.