More than five million NSW residents will head to the polling booths this Saturday for the state’s local government elections.
The local council elections have been postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pre-poll voting has already opened for residents as part of the government’s COVID-safe plans to carry out the election.
Here is what you need to know about the upcoming election.
What is the local council election date?
The polling booths will open this Saturday, December 4, however pre-polling opened on November 22.
Who are the candidates?
People in all 124 council areas are voting for their preferred councillors this weekend.
You may have already seen signs in your area for these candidates.
You can find out the candidates on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
How can I vote in the local council elections?
NSW residents can head into local polling booths on Saturday and cast their vote in person, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic people are encouraged to cast their vote early.
The NSW Government has expanded their eligibility for pre-poll voting this year because of the risks of the pandemic.
People can cast their vote early via post or online until Friday, December 3.
However, unless you have already applied for postal voting you will not be able to do it now as applications have closed.
You can find out more information about how to pre-poll vote on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Can I vote early?
Yes. The NSW Government is encouraging NSW Residents to vote early this year to reduce crowds at the polling booths.
Pre-poll and iVote measures are open now.
You can vote via post if you meet the following criteria:
- If you are self-isolating because of COVID-19.
- If you live in a retirement village or nursing home, or are in hospital.
- If you “reasonably” believe attending a polling place on election day will pose a risk to your health or safety, or the health or safety of others.
Unfortunately, if you have not applied to vote via post, these applications have now closed, meaning you will need to head to the polling booth on Saturday.
Where can I vote in local council elections?
You can find out where your local polling booth is on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Can I vote online?
Yes, if you meet the criteria.
To use the online voting service, iVote, is available to those who meet the following criteria.
- If you are blind or have low vision
- Need help to vote or find it hard due to a disability or have difficulties reading
- Registered silent electors
- If you live more than 20 kilometres from a polling venue
- If you won’t be within your council area on election day
- If you applied for a postal vote but haven’t received ballot papers.
Applications to use iVote are open until 1pm on election day.
Will the democracy sausage be available?
It depends on the venue.
The NSW Electoral Commission is not responsible for the sausage sizzles, so if the community groups who run the food stalls abide by COVID-safe measures, the sausage sizzle may be available.
Is voting compulsory?
Yes. Voting is compulsory for anyone enrolled to vote in NSW.
You can check your enrolment on the Australian Electoral Commission website.
What happens if I don’t vote?
If you don’t vote, you can face a $55 fine.
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