Lord mayoral election

CBD residents and businesses are to vote in a by-election in May for the position of Lord Mayor of Melbourne.

The vacancy and by-election follows the resignation in February of Robert Doyle after nine years in the job.

Nominations for the position open on April 5 and close three working days later at noon on Tuesday, April 10.

Potential candidates and voters have until 4pm on Friday, March 16 to enroll themselves to become eligible.

The poll is to be conducted entirely via Australia Post, with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) posting “packs” to voters between April 23 and April 26.

Candidates have until April 11 to send statements and photos to the VEC to be included in the voter material.

Ballots must be posted back to the VEC by Friday, May 11.

Voting is compulsory for enrolled voters under 70 years old. Residents are entitled to one vote. Businesses, either renting or owning rateable property get two votes.