2012 NSW Local Government Elections
Frequently Asked Questions
1. About the election
What date is the election?
The Election will be held on Saturday 8 September 2012.
Is it compulsory to vote?
Voting is compulsory for all electors enrolled on the roll of residents i.e. the “normal’ Commonwealth /New South Wales Electoral Roll.
Voting is not compulsory for electors enrolled on the ”non-residential” electoral roll.
How do I enrol to vote?
If you need to enrol to vote, you can collect, complete and submit an electoral enrolment claim form available from an Australia Post Office or any Australian Electoral Commission Office. The rolls for the 2012 local government elections will close Monday 30 July 2012 at 6pm.
How do I change my address?
If you have recently moved to the area, or you have changed address (even if you have just moved next door), you can collect, complete and submit an electoral enrolment claim form available from an Australia Post Office or any Australian Electoral Commission Office. The rolls for the 2012 local government elections will close Monday 30 July 2012 at 6pm.
What time are the polling places open and when do they close?
On Election day 8 September 2012, the appointed polling places will be open from 8am-6pm.
Where are the polling places?
The locations are not confirmed as yet, but they will generally be those used for state and federal elections. You may check this website closer to the election.
The locations of all polling places also will be advertised in the local press closer to Election day.
I’m going to be away what do I do?
If you expect to be out of your council area, interstate, or overseas on Election day, you may apply for a postal or pre-poll vote.
How do I get an application for a postal vote?
An Application for Postal Vote (available here) may be lodged after Monday 30 July 2012. You can also obtain an application form -
- in person from Council
- or in person (after 24 July 2012) from the Returning Officer’s Office (contact details available on this site).
Where can I pre-poll vote before the election?
Pre-Poll voting will be available from the Returning Office’ s Office during normal Council hours from Monday 27 August 2012 until Thursday 6 September 2012. On Friday 7 September 2012 Pre-Poll Voting will close at 6:00pm. Details of other Pre-Poll venues will be provided on this website and in local newspapers.
Can I do an absentee vote?
There is no absentee voting in local government elections. If you expect to be out of your council area, interstate, or overseas on Election day, you should arrange for a postal or pre-poll vote.
I have properties in more than one council area – where do I vote?
You are required to vote in the area where you are enrolled on the roll of residents i.e. the “normal” Commonwealth or New South Wales Electoral Roll. You may apply to enrol on the “ non-residential” roll for other areas, as applicable, but this is not compulsory and if you do claim enrolment on a non-residential roll, then voting is not compulsory for “non-residential” electors.
Who are the candidates?
Candidate nominations do not open until Monday 30 July 2012. Nominations will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 8 August 2012. Full candidate details will not be available until some time after the close of Nominations.
Who is running the election?
Last year, NSW Parliament passed legislation that enables councils to coordinate their own elections, constitutional referendums, and polls. For the 8 September 2012 Elections, Australian Election Company will assist with the management and/or conduct of a number of Elections including for Cessnock, Coffs Harbour, Fairfield, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle, Penrith, Port Stephens and Shoalhaven Councils.
2. Working at the election∧ Back to the top
Are you interested in working at a polling place on election day?
Australian Election Company is looking for people to work at polling places during Election day, 8 September 2012. Your duties may include setting up and dismantling the polling place, issuing ballot papers to eligible voters, assisting electors, and sorting and counting ballots.
Generally, two types of positions are available:
Polling Place Manager - in charge of the polling place and supervises election officials
• Hours: 7am until all tasks completed on election night
• Approx. Pay: $650 to $760 (depends on number of officials employed in a polling place)
Election Official – assists Polling Place Manager
• Hours:7.30am until all tasks completed on election night
• Approx. Pay: $340
How do I register to work on the election?
If you are interested in working at a polling place, you can download an application form and return it to Australian Election Company. For more information call 1800 224 420 or email recruitment@austelect.com