Local Government Elections
NSW Local Government Council elections 8 September 2012
The Process
Local Government elections and by-elections are conducted in a legal environment in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.
The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) is responsible for the conduct of all Local Government elections to ensure that the elections are conducted independently and impartially.
An independent Returning Officer is appointed by the NSWEC to each council area to conduct the election on behalf of and under the direction of the Electoral Commissioner.
The Electoral Commissioner appoints the polling places for council elections and the Returning Officer appoints the election officials.
Each council is required by law to meet the costs of the conduct of its election. The NSWEC works with each council to establish agreed service levels.
Entitlement to Vote
Residents of Byron Shire
All electors enrolled on the Commonwealth/State electoral roll as at Monday 30 July 2012 residing in Byron Shire will be included on the roll for the election.
To check your enrolment details or to enrol online visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au or call
1300 135 736. Residential enrolment forms are also available from any Australia Post Office. Enrolment forms must be received by 6pm Monday 30 July 2012.
Certain non-resident ratepayers are entitled to vote in local government elections. Byron Shire Council prepares and maintains a non-resident ratepayers’ roll for the statutory period associated with a scheduled Local Government election.
The Local Government Act 1993 (Section 299) provides that the non-resident ratepayer roll lapses after each election, including by-elections, and the roll is prepared specifically for each election. The roll is not maintained between elections.
The opening of the roll must be advertised 60 days before the closing of the roll. Past practice has been to advertise the opening of the roll prior to the election in accordance with Clause 280 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, inviting claims for inclusion on the roll for that election. Applications must be made on the prescribed form.
Inclusion on the non-resident ratepayer roll entitles a person to vote in the election, but application must still be made for a pre-poll or postal ballot to exercise that right if not physically voting at a polling booth in the Council area on election day.
Claim for inclusion in the roll of non-residential owners (must be received on or before 6.00pm (EST) Monday 30 July 2012)
2012 Draft Election Calendar
- 2012 Draft Election Calendar 214.07 KB
Working at a NSW Local Government Election
Expressions of Interest to work as an election official at a polling place on election day or as an office assistant in the Returning Officers office in the lead up to the election will be available online mid 2012. Please see the NSW Electoral Commission web site.
Thinking of becoming a Councillor
A booklet produced by the Department of Local Government to provide assistance to people who are considering standing for election as councillors
Information for Candidates, Local Government Election.
The NSW Electoral Commission, Election Funding Authority and the Division of Local Government will be conducting a joint candidate seminar in relation to the Local Government Election 2012.
Time and Date 5pm to 8pm Monday 14 May 2012
Venue Address Byron Shire Council Chambers, Station Street, Mullumbimby
General enquiries
Contact officer: Governance Officer 02 6626 7045
State elections
For information on State Elections visit the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Federal elections
For information on Federal Elections visit the Australian Electoral Commission website.