The names of the applicants who wish to contest the casual vacancy in the electorate of Murrumbidgee following the resignation of Mrs Giulia Jones will be announced today at 12:30 pm by the ACT Electoral Commissioner, Mr Damian Cantwell AM CSC.

The computerised count to determine the successful candidate will be conducted immediately thereafter.

The names of the candidates contesting the vacancy and the results of the count will be emailed to media outlets after the conclusion of the declaration and the count at around 1:30 pm.  The names of the candidates and the result of the count will also be posted on the Elections ACT website at www.elections.act.gov.au.

ACT Legislative Assembly vacancies are filled by conducting a “countback” of those ballot papers that elected the vacating member. In effect, those electors who voted for Mrs Giulia Jones will determine her replacement.

An advertisement was published on Friday 10 June 2022 in The Canberra Times and on the Elections ACT website inviting candidates who unsuccessfully stood in the electorate of Murrumbidgee at the 2020 election to contest the vacancy. Eligible candidates are able to put their names forward up to 12 noon today.

Media and the public are invited to attend the declaration of the names of the candidates contesting the vacancy and the computerised count, however attendance is subject to COVID Safe provisions. The declaration and the count will take place at the ACT Legislative Assembly, 196 London Circuit, Civic Square, Canberra City.

Further information about the casual vacancy process can be found at https://www.elections.act.gov.au/elections_and_voting/casual_vacancies_in_the_legislative_assembly.