Last chance to enrol for state election

Voters have until 8pm tonight to enrol or update their details to allow them to vote in the November 24 state election.

The VEC said it was particularly important for first time voters to enrol and people who may have moved house to change their electoral details.

Voters can update their details via the VEC’s website at vec.vic.gov.au.

Candidate nominations close on Thursday for registered political party candidates; and, noon on Friday 9 for independent candidates.

While the VEC has recorded no nominations for the Narracan electorate, at least five candidates have indicated they will stand – with three endorsed by parties and two to stand as independents.

Sitting Liberal member Gary Blackwood will face challenges from the ALP’s Christine Maxfield of Drouin East, The Greens’ William Hornstra of Moe and two independents Guss Lambden of Moe and Carlo Ierfone of Yarragon.

Mr Blackwood, who holds the seat comfortably with an 11.3 per cent margin, has been the local member for three terms after defeating the ALP’s Ian Maxfield in 2006.

At the last state election in 2014, Mr Blackwood obtained 55 per cent of the primary vote and 61 per cent of the two party preferred.

In its 51-year history, Narracan has been held by a Labor member for a seven year period between 1999 and 2006, when Ms Maxfield’s husband Ian was elected, and re-elected for a second term.

In the upper house, the VEC has received a number of nominations for candidates for the Eastern Region of Victoria seat currently held by the ALP’s Harriet Shing and Daniel Mulino, the Liberals’ Edward O’Donohue, The Nationals Danny O’Brien and the Shooters and Fishers Party Jeffrey Bourman.

Nominated candidates include: Rhonda Crooks (Trafalgar) and Philip Seabrook – Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party; Carmel Close (Warragul) and Gregory Bell – Fiona Patten’s Reason Party; Megan Whittaker and Kristy Hudson – Hudson 4 NV; Geoff Pain and Katherine Holmes – Health Australia Party; Lainie Cruse and Russell Forden – Victorian Socialists; Jeff Bourman and Kerrie-Anne Muir – Shooters, Fishers and Farmers.

Yarragon businessman Michael Fozard also has indicated his intention to stand as an independent.

Police have released an image of two males who they believe may be able to assist with investigations.