26 November 2008

The NSW Electoral Commission will post the results of three local government by-elections on its website from 6pm this Saturday, 29 November 2008.

“More than 10,000 voters will go to the polls to fill a total of five vacancies in the Bland, Warren and Wellington local government areas that were not contested during September’s general council elections,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry.

“This will be an opportunity for voters to shape the make-up of their council for the next four years. Because there are only a small number of vacancies, the counts should be finalised within the first few days.”

First preference results, which represent approximately 85 per cent of the ordinary votes cast, will be posted in the Virtual Tally Room (www.elections.nsw.gov.au) on Saturday night.

These votes will be rechecked on Sunday along with those cast during pre-polling or at declared institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes. Postal votes will be accepted up until 6pm on Monday, 1 December.

Mr Barry reminded voters who cannot vote in their council area this weekend to consider pre-polling at their local council office before 6pm on Friday, 28 November, 2008.

“This will be your last chance to vote early, to exercise your democratic right and avoid paying a fine.”

• Two vacancies will be contested by six candidates in Bland Shire. 4,337 people are on the electoral roll
• Two vacancies will be contested by seven candidates in Wellington Shire. 5,618 voters are registered
• Two candidates will contest one vacancy in Warren Shire (A Ward). There are 443 registered voters.

Polling places open at 8am and close at 6pm sharp and voting at council elections is compulsory.

More information, 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