9 February 2009

Nominations for three by-elections to be held in the Palerang, Wellington and Richmond Valley local government areas next month will close at 12 noon on Wednesday, 11 February.

NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry said late nominations could not be processed.

“The legislation is very clear and requires candidates standing for a council vacancy to lodge their nomination form and a deposit with the local returning officer by the 12 noon deadline,” Mr Barry said.

“Our advice to candidates is to not leave it to the last minute to avoid any problems.”

A candidate information sheet, which will be published on the NSW Electoral Commission’s website, must also be completed at nomination time.

As of midday today, the NSW Electoral Commission had received a total of five nominations:

• Palerang Shire: 1 candidate
  
• Richmond Valley Shire: 4 candidates

No nominations have yet been received for the Wellington Council vacancy.

Postal Voting:

Applications for postal voting will be accepted up until 5.00pm on Monday, 9 March.

Pre-Polling:

Pre-polling will commence at local council chambers on Monday, 2 March and closes at 6.00pm on Friday, 13 March.

Voting on Saturday, 14 March is compulsory for all residents on the electoral roll.

Further information about local government elections is available at www.elections.nsw.gov.au

Media Contact: Adrian Kerr, NSWEC Corporate Communications

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