14 November 2008

Voters in the Bland, Wellington and Warren Shires can pre-poll from next Monday, 17 November 2008.

“Pre-polling in the three local government by-elections allows those electors who cannot attend a polling place on Saturday, 29 November to cast their ballot early,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry.

“Our message to electors is that there is no absentee voting so if you are going to be outside your council area on the day then you need to vote early, both to exercise your democratic right and to avoid a fine.

“Early voting options include applying for a postal vote or pre-polling at your local council office.”

Local pre-poll voting will be available during normal business hours at council offices between Monday, 17 November and 6pm on Friday, 28 November.

Applications for postal voting are now open and close at 5pm on Friday, 24 November.

The NSW Electoral Commission will conduct voting at declared institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes from Monday, 24 November until Wednesday 26 November.

The by-elections are being held to fill vacancies left by a shortage of nominees at the September local government general elections.

· Six candidates will contest two vacancies on the Bland Shire Council, which has 4,337 registered voters.

· Seven candidates have nominated for two vacancies on Wellington Shire Council, which has 5,618 people on the electoral roll.

· Two candidates have nominated for the one vacancy in Warren Shire (A Ward), which has 443 people on the electoral roll.

More information on the by-elections, including a list of polling places, boundary maps, candidate names and a council profile is available on the NSWEC website at www.elections.nsw.gov.au

Media Contact: Adrian Kerr, NSW Electoral Commission

(02) 9290 5954 adrian.kerr@elections.nsw.gov.au