Circulars

16-26 – Voting at the upcoming council elections on 10 September 2016

What’s new or changing
  • Ordinary local government elections in NSW are scheduled to occur on 10 September 2016 for councils that have not been merged and that are not subject to a merger proposal.
  • As a result of the death of a candidate, Tweed Shire Council’s election will now be held on 29 October 2016.
  • New councils formed from recent mergers and The Hills Shire Council will have their elections in September 2017.
  • Councils that are subject to a merger proposal with a decision pending have also had their elections postponed.
  • Central Darling Shire Council is currently under administration and will not be holding an election.
What this will mean for your council
  • The NSW Electoral Commission has undertaken an extensive information campaign to inform electors which councils are holding elections on 10 September 2016 and of voting requirements.
  • Importantly, in addition to this, councils holding elections on 10 September 2016 should take their own steps to inform voters in their areas of the requirement to vote, if they have not already done so. Councils may do so by way of:
    • information placed on the council’s website
    • media releases
    • paid advertising
    • mail-outs
    • social media.
Key points
  • Voting is compulsory for all people enrolled in areas where elections are being held and fines apply for not voting.
  • Information on which councils are holding elections on 10 September is available on a dedicated website established by the NSW Electoral Commission at www.votensw.info
  • This website allows voters to check whether their council is holding an election on 10 September 2016 and their enrolment details.
  • A list of these councils is also attached to this Circular for reference.
Where to go for further information
  • For more information relevant to councils that are holding elections on 10 September 2016, contact the NSW Electoral Commission or visit www.votensw.info
Tim Hurst
Acting Chief Executive