1861 Victorian colonial election

1861 Victorian colonial election

← 1859 2−19 August 1861 1864 →
All 78 seats in the Victorian Legislative Assembly
First party Second party   Leader Richard Heales John O'Shanassy Party Moderate Liberal (Protectionist) Conservative (Free Trade) Leader's seat East Bourke Boroughs Kilmore Seats won 40 35 Percentage 52.34 25.53
Premier before election Richard Heales Liberal Elected Premier Richard Heales Liberal

The 1861 Victorian colonial election was held from 2−19 August 1861 to elect the 3rd Parliament of Victoria. All 78 seats in 49 electorates in the Legislative Assembly were up for election, though four seats were uncontested.^[1]

There were 24 single-member, 21 two-member and 4 three-member electorates.^[1]

The liberal ministry led by Richard Heales was returned "with materially increased support", supported by the Protectionist League and the goldfields electorates.^[2][3]