Nearly 10,000 people will be going to the polls this week for the local government by-election being held in Ararat.

State Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said a by-election was required due to an extraordinary vacancy at Ararat Rural City Council.

“Ararat Rural City Council voters were not required to go to the polls with the rest of the state last year, because they had exactly the same number of candidates for council as there were vacancies,” Mrs Powell said.

“Unfortunately, Councillor Murray Woods is not able to continue his role as a Councillor and I wish him the best for his future.

“Councillor Woods’ resignation has triggered the need for a by-election, which is being conducted by postal ballot this month.

“Voters can expect the by-election ballot papers from the Victorian Electoral Commission to start arriving in their mailboxes this week.

Mrs Powell said there are seven candidates for the one vacancy on Ararat Rural City council.

Ballots for the Ararat Rural City Council by-election must be returned before 6pm on Friday 21 June 2013. Vote counting will commence on Saturday 22 June 2013.