Every four years the community gets the opportunity to vote for the Councillors that will represent them and make decisions on their behalf.
The next local government elections will be held in 2028.
Voting at these elections is compulsory.
You can find out all about the Local Government elections, including how to enrol to vote, where to get assistance, and how to submit an expression of interest to work at the elections on the NSW Electoral Commission website or by calling 1300 135 736.
In the MidCoast, we elect 11 Councillors who then choose the person who will be Mayor. Considering your vote is one way you can have your say on what your council does and how we do it. Other ways of participating in the way we make decisions include:
Registration for candidates closes on Wednesday 14 August and the ballot paper draw takes place the following day. The NSW Electoral Commission will then publish the names of all candidates on their website.
It is up to the election candidates themselves to campaign and let the community know who they are and what they stand for. Council cannot legally provide any information about the candidates for the upcoming election.
Yes, voting is compulsory. If you don’t vote, you will receive a fine requesting payment and or explanation.
The next Local Government Election will be held in 2028.
The last Local Government Election was held on Saturday September 14, 2024.
A list of all polling locations can usually be found on the NSW Electoral Commission website several weeks prior to an election.
The NSW Electoral Commission arranges various ways to vote. Check out their website prior to an election. Find out on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
You can check your enrollment details on the NSW Electoral Commission’s website.
Prior to an election, the NSW Electoral Commission will invite expressions of interest.
Yes.
You can enrol at any time. Applications for the non-resident roll closes 40 days prior to an election. Find out more about the non-residential roll.
Considering becoming a candidate? You don’t have to have any particular educational background or experience to be a candidate. If you are elected, you will receive lots of information about your role through an induction and onboarding program.
Attending or streaming a Council meeting is one way to become familiar with the role of a Councillor. Prior to the next election in 2028, further information will be posted here.