Victorian council nominations are about to close and voting form positions will be finalised an hour later.

Many candidates in Wodonga, Wangaratta, Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Towong and Moira shires have already announced their intentions, but perhaps there's still a late surprise to come.

We hope the challenges of 2020 - working remotely, home learning, trying to keep businesses afloat - do not dissuade potential councillors; in difficult times, it's more important than ever to have the best people leading our community.

Next month's elections will be decided by postal voting to take place between October 6 and 23.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has sent so much online but here's one example of our democracy that has continued and extended an older format.

Writing and sending letters is not an automatic habit these days and it will be interesting to see the community response.

IN OTHER NEWS:

How many people will make sure their completed vote is in the mail or hand-delivered to their election office before 6pm on Friday, October 23?

The compulsory nature of voting in Australia remains, so everyone will be expected to send in their ballot paper, just as they have been required to attend a polling station before.

We hope people will not only comply but also think about their choices.

Your local council is the most accessible tier of government, in terms of geography and visibility, and makes decisions that impact on your day to day life - think roads, rates and rubbish for a start.

MORE OPINION

But beyond those staples, councillors can help guide the priorities of a community and, as we have seen with the border closures, advocate on behalf of all citizens.

Councillors can also be an easy target for people not satisfied with the services they receive.

Now is the time for North East residents to put action above complaint and consider who they want representing them.

Best wishes to all candidates and well done for having a go.