Kaniva secures voting centre for Victorian election

Published on 06 November 2026

Kaniva residents will have a voting centre for the upcoming Victorian election, after the town was initially left off the Victorian Electoral Commission's list of polling places.

The VEC has confirmed the Kaniva Senior Citizens Centre, at 32 Progress Street, as a polling place.

The confirmation follows advocacy from Council and community members after concerns were raised about the lack of a voting centre in town. Around 600 people typically vote in Kaniva on election day.

Community members contacted Council, the VEC and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy after learning Kaniva would not have a polling place.

On Friday, the VEC confirmed the new polling place, securing voting access in Kaniva for the upcoming election.

Mayor Helen Hobbs welcomed the VEC's decision and thanked everyone who advocated for a voting centre in Kaniva.

“I'm so pleased that Kaniva will now have a voting booth. It’s a great result for our community and the wider district,” she said.

“I want to thank Emma Kealy for her support and advocacy, and the Victorian Electoral Commission for listening to the concerns raised and reconsidering its decision.

“Thank you also to everyone in the community who emailed or rang the VEC and helped make this happen.

“Kaniva is an important service centre for a much wider rural area.

“Having a polling place in town is essential, particularly for older residents and people who cannot drive, as there are no public transport options available.

“This demonstrates the value of speaking up, working constructively and advocating for our communities.

“I'm very pleased that together we've achieved a practical outcome for Kaniva and the surrounding district.”