12 September 2008

The NSW Electoral Commissioner, Colin Barry, reminded the State’s 4.5 million voters they have a once-in-four-year opportunity to shape their local council at this weekend’s local government elections.

The slogan for the 2008 local government elections is “Your vote is your voice in your local area. Be heard.”

“Electors are voting early at one of 200 pre-polling centres around the State because they cannot get to a polling place in their council area tomorrow,” Mr Barry said.

“There is no absentee voting at these elections so people must vote at a polling place in their council area or ward if the council has wards, or by 6pm tonight if they are going to be overseas, interstate or otherwise outside their local council area.”

Voting is compulsory and a $55 fine may apply for anyone enrolled who fails to vote. A list of pre-polling centres is available online at www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

Mr Barry also reminded postal voters to have their envelopes postmarked by 6pm tonight, or delivered to a polling place tomorrow to be included in the count.

“Make sure you understand how to vote. Different voting systems are used in local government elections depending on whether you are voting for the mayor and/or councillors.

“It is important that you take the time to read the instructions printed on the ballot paper, or ask an election official for help if you are unsure how to cast your vote.

Electors wishing to avoid queues should consider voting in the early afternoon from 2pm.

Ballot papers will be counted at polling places tomorrow and the first preference results will be published online at www.elections.nsw.gov.au from 6.30pm Saturday.

Preferences will be distributed from next Tuesday, with the count not expected to be finalised until the following week.

The NSWEC’s Elector Enquiry Centre will be open tomorrow between 8am and 6pm on 1300 135 736.

Media Contact: Adrian Kerr, NSW Electoral Commission

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