Voting in the 2024 NSW Local Government elections will begin across the state from tomorrow, Saturday, 7 September.
Sydney (NSW Election Commission Release, Tribune Report, 6 Sep 2024): Acting NSW Electoral Commissioner Dr Matthew Phillips said voting is compulsory at council elections in NSW, so anyone unable to vote on election day, should plan their vote now.
“Pre-poll voting is open only to those who are eligible. Eligibility criteria is available on our website, along with opening hours and venues.”
“Voting venues, candidates and other key voter information can be found using the address look-up tool at elections.nsw.gov.au,” he said.
Dr Phillips said pre-poll locations will operate in each council area from Saturday, 7 September to Friday, 13 September, not including Sunday, 8 September.
“Opening hours will vary, so make sure you check when your chosen pre-poll place will be open before heading out to vote.”
“Unlike at State elections, you must vote within your council area or ward at local council elections. There is no absentee voting,” he said.
Dr Phillips said the Commission is also responding to strong demand to vote by post, with 376,145 applications received since Tuesday, 6 August.
“It’s great to see NSW voters are planning ahead, but don’t leave filling out your postal pack to the last minute. If you’ve received yours, read the instructions carefully and make sure you’ve completed it before 6pm on election day.”
Postal applications close at 5pm on Monday, 9 September. To be counted postal votes must be completed on or before 6pm on election day and received by the NSW Electoral Commission no later than 6pm on Friday, 27 September.
Dr Phillips said information is available on the NSW Electoral Commission website about voting in local government elections and assistance available to voters, as well as information in 24 languages.
Election statistics, including pre poll figures and postal votes applied for and returned are available on our website.
For more information go to elections.nsw.gov.au or get more information about voting:
How to fill out your ballot papers
END