When you vote at a local government election you are voting to choose your councillor to represent your interests and those of other constituents in your council area. In some councils the mayor is also elected by voters, if not elected by the voters, the mayor is elected by the councillors.

It is compulsory for Australian citizens resident in NSW, 18 years of age or older to enrol and vote for representatives on their council. Check my enrolment and area/ward.

While it is compulsory to vote for those on the electoral (residential) roll, it is not compulsory for people enrolled as non-resident owners, occupiers and ratepaying lessees, except those in the City of Sydney roll.

Voting before the election

You may apply to vote before election day as either a postal or a pre-poll voter. There is no interstate or overseas voting at local government elections.

Voting on election day

You must vote at a polling place in your area/ward on election day. There is no absentee voting at local government elections.

In the case of those councils that are divided into wards, one polling place in the council area will issue votes for all wards.

How to cast a vote

Different voting systems are used in local government elections depending on whether you are voting for the mayor or councillors.

Counting the votes

After the close of the poll, ballot boxes are opened and the ballot papers sorted and counted in the presence of scrutineers, if appointed. Ordinary votes are counted on election night at the polling place. Postal, pre-poll and declared institution votes are counted at the Returning Officer’s office after the close of poll on election night continuing on the Sunday after election day. Section and silent votes are checked and counted on the Monday after election day.

Penalties for not voting

If you do not vote you may be fined.