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The omission of Lockwood ward candidate Barry Lyons' photograph from candidate statements sent as part of ballot packs does not invalidate the ballot paper, the Victorian Electoral Commission says.
A spokesperson said the photograph was accidentally omitted during printing, even though it was submitted in time.
"There simply isn't enough time to reprint and resend 31,000 ballot packs and mailing a second ballot paper would be confusing to those voters who have already returned their ballot pack," a VEC spokesperson said.
"We have contacted the candidate directly to advise him of the issue and to apologise for the omission.
"We have also sent messages directly to those Lockwood ward voters who receive our VoterAlert service."
About half of the ward's residents are subscribed to the service.
"All ballot papers received by the required deadline will be included in the count," the spokesperson said.
Earlier
BENDIGO council candidate Barry Lyons is hopeful enough people know him to make up for his photograph being omitted from material posted out with this year's ballot packs.
The Victorian Electoral Commission sent texts and emails out this afternoon, notifying residents of the error.
"Ballot packs have been mailed to all voters in Lockwood Ward, Greater Bendigo City Council," the text read.
"Candidate Barry Lyons' photo has been omitted from the candidate statements in error."
It is not yet known how the error occurred.
The text directs recipients to the VEC website, where they can access all Lockwood ward statements and photographs.
A photograph of Mr Lyons appears in the material published online.
Mr Lyons - a former councillor, who has previously served as mayor - said he received a call from the electoral commissioner last night.
They apologised profusely and offered what Mr Lyons considered the only obvious thing - notifying residents of the error and directing them to the website.
"They can't reprint them and do another issue," Mr Lyons said.
"We're running to a tight schedule, so I believe what they are doing is probably reasonable compensation for me. I just hope it doesn't affect my chances."
His photograph was the only part missing from the candidate statements. The statement itself was printed, which Mr Lyons considered more important.
"It's a photo and I believe most people who know me know what I look like," he said.
Nevertheless, Mr Lyons said he went to bed last night feeling a bit uncomfortable about it.
His children had been among those who picked up on the error in the ballot pack.
Mr Lyons said he wasn't considering challenging the result, based on the error.
"I don't think there's any point in that," he said.
He said the VEC had mentioned he might be able to seek recourse through VCAT, if he was not satisfied at the end of the vote.
"We didn't discuss that at length," Mr Lyons said.
He was prepared for the notifications to be sent out and to "leave it at that".
Photographs and statements for all Lockwood ward candidates are available here.
The VEC has been contacted for comment.