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Media releases and statements

Early voting opens tomorrow: Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections

11 Oct 2024

Early voting for the Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections opens tomorrow for eligible electors.

Important information for electors enrolled in City of Newcastle Ward 3

8 Oct 2024

A printed authorised roll used to mark off electors during the local council elections for the City of Newcastle Ward 3 is unaccounted for.

Ballot paper draw: Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections

3 Oct 2024

The final list of candidates for the Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections will be available in ballot paper order following tomorrow’s ballot paper draws.

Voting by post in NSW State by-elections? Apply now

1 Oct 2024

Postal vote applications are now open for voters who are unable to vote in person at the 2024 Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections on Saturday, 19 October.

Nominations open: Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections

27 Sep 2024

Candidate nominations for the Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections are now open.

Return your postal vote pack

23 Sep 2024

The NSW Electoral Commission is reminding anyone yet to return their postal vote for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections to put it in the post today.

Count update: Explaining “Informal/Other” votes

16 Sep 2024

A reminder that the number of informal votes in the 2024 Local Government elections will not be clear until later in the vote count process.

Results timetable: 2024 Local Government elections

14 Sep 2024

Voting will close today at 6pm across the state for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections.

More than 1.3m votes cast ahead of 2024 Local Government election day

13 Sep 2024

1,113,740 people have voted early and 213,012 postal votes have been returned and scrutinised ahead of the 2024 NSW Local Government election day. 

NSW Electoral Commission prioritises safety and transparency ahead of Local Government elections

9 Sep 2024

The NSW Electoral Commission has launched a suite of measures to deliver the 2024 NSW Local Government elections safely and transparently.

Pre-poll opens tomorrow: 2024 Local Government elections

6 Sep 2024

Voting in the 2024 NSW Local Government elections will begin across the state from tomorrow, Saturday, 7 September.

Check your letterbox - postal packs on their way

19 Aug 2024

Postal vote packs are being sent out from today to postal vote applicants in the upcoming 2024 NSW Local Government elections.

Statement from the Commissioner

18 Aug 2024

On Sunday, the Commissioner said the delivery of the election was the focus of his agency.

Candidates announced: 2024 NSW Local Government elections

16 Aug 2024

The final lists of councillor and mayoral candidates for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections are now available. 

Ballot paper draws: 2024 Local Government elections

14 Aug 2024

The final list of candidates for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections will be available on Thursday, 15 August. 

Voting by post in NSW council elections? Apply now

6 Aug 2024

Postal vote applications are now open for eligible voters who are unable to vote in person at the upcoming NSW local council elections.

Don’t wait to nominate

5 Aug 2024

Prospective candidates should start lodging their nominations for the upcoming 2024 NSW Local Government elections now.

Turning 18? Enrol to vote in the NSW local council elections

16 Jul 2024

The NSW Electoral Commission is urging anyone who is eligible to vote in NSW to make sure they are enrolled ahead of this year’s local council elections.

Moved recently? Update your enrolment by 5 August 2024

16 Jul 2024

The NSW Electoral Commission is encouraging NSW voters to check their enrolment before 5 August 2024 to make sure they are ready to vote in the 2024 Local Government elections.

More than 20,000 paid roles on offer to deliver local council elections

6 May 2024

A state-wide recruitment drive is underway to support delivery of the 2024 NSW Local Government elections in September this year.

NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt retires

17 Apr 2024

After almost eight years serving as the Electoral Commissioner for NSW and almost 40 years in public service, John Schmidt will serve his final day at work on Friday, 5 April before retiring.

Review into technology assisted voting: Final report

16 Nov 2023

NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt has published the final report of his review into technology assisted voting.

Alert: Review into technology assisted voting: Interim report

1 Aug 2023

The NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt has released the interim report of his review into technology assisted voting.

Statement by the NSW Electoral Commission

22 May 2023

2023 NSW State election pre-election political donations information (published by location).

Contested election for Lachlan Shire Council (D Ward)

20 Apr 2023

A poll will be held on Saturday, 20 May 2023 to elect one councillor for the Lachlan Shire Council (D Ward).

Legislative Council distribution of preferences: 2023 NSW State election

18 Apr 2023

The distribution of preferences for the Legislative Council election will be conducted at 11am on Wednesday 19 April 2023.

Statement by NSW Electoral Commissioner: Ryde district recount – 2023 State election

13 Apr 2023

There will be a recount of ballot papers for the Legislative Assembly district of Ryde.

Distribution of preferences: 2023 NSW State election

12 Apr 2023

The distribution of preferences to determine the elected candidate for each NSW district will take place Thursday, 13 April.

Statement: NSW election vote count update 4

6 Apr 2023

We have now received more than 466,000 postal votes in total for the 2023 NSW State election after the deadline to return postal votes closed at 6pm this evening.

Election notice 2: Notice of election and call for nomination proposals

6 Apr 2023

Lachlan Shire Council (D Ward) by-election

Statement: NSW election vote count update 3

3 Apr 2023

Vote counting activities this week 3-8 April.

Statement: NSW election vote count update 2

31 Mar 2023

Vote counting activities today and Saturday, 1 April.

Statement: NSW election vote count update

30 Mar 2023

More than 4 million votes have been counted for the 2023 NSW State election as record postal votes continue to be returned.

NSW State election – more than 2000 voting centres open from 8am – 6pm

23 Mar 2023

More than 883,200 people have cast their vote early and a record number of postal vote applications have been received ahead of the NSW State election day, Saturday, 25 March.

Alert: Record number of postal vote applications received

22 Mar 2023

540,208 applications have been received to vote by post in the 2023 NSW State election.

Enrolled residents of NSW - get ready to vote

18 Mar 2023

Early, in-person voting is set to begin across NSW from Saturday, 18 March.

Candidates announced: 2023 NSW State election

9 Mar 2023

The list of candidates for the NSW State election on Saturday, 25 March is now available.

Ballot paper draw: 2023 NSW State election

8 Mar 2023

The list of candidates for the NSW State election on Saturday, 25 March will be available on Thursday, 9 March.

New district boundaries in effect for 2023 NSW State election

2 Mar 2023

Redistribution of electoral districts brings changes to NSW

Candidate nominations open: NSW State election

28 Feb 2023

Prospective candidates can now start lodging their nominations for the upcoming 2023 NSW State election with the NSW Electoral Commission.

Election notice 1: Advertising of enrolments

27 Feb 2023

Lachlan Shire (D Ward) by-election

Commission campaign to tackle election disinformation

21 Feb 2023

The NSW Electoral Commission has launched its campaign to help reduce the spread of disinformation ahead of the 2023 NSW State election.

The election is coming: get ready to vote

13 Jan 2023

The NSW State election is on Saturday, 25 March, and the NSW Electoral Commission is asking NSW voters to get ready to vote by enrolling to vote or checking their enrolment is up to date.

NSW voters urged to end the year ready to vote in 2023

16 Dec 2022

The NSW Electoral Commission is encouraging NSW voters to enrol or check their enrolment before the end of the year and make sure they are ready to vote in the 2023 NSW State election.

2023 NSW State election political donations - view now

1 Dec 2022

Pre-election donation disclosures for the 2023 NSW State election are available to view on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

NSW Electoral Commission commits to explore technology assisted voting options to replace iVote

22 Nov 2022

Joint statement: The NSW Electoral Commission has commenced a review of technology-assisted voting in NSW elections.

Statement: Targeted review into technology assisted voting

16 Nov 2022

The NSW Electoral Commissioner, John Schmidt, has released an Issues and Questions paper as part of a targeted review into technology assisted voting.

Workers wanted to deliver democracy

4 Nov 2022

The NSW Electoral Commission has today launched its recruitment drive for more than 24,000 people across NSW to deliver the election in March next year.

Election results: City of Ryde (West Ward) by-election

1 Nov 2022

The results of City of Ryde (West Ward) councillor by-election held on Saturday, 15 October 2022 are now available on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Election day voting: City of Ryde (West Ward)

14 Oct 2022

Voters are reminded that election day for the City of Ryde (West Ward) council by-election is tomorrow, Saturday, 15 October.

Early voting opens Tuesday: City of Ryde (West Ward) by-election

30 Sep 2022

Electors can vote early from this Tuesday, 4 October in the City of Ryde (West Ward) ahead of election day on Saturday, 15 October.

Candidates announced: City of Ryde (West Ward) by-election

15 Sep 2022

Candidates for the City of Ryde (West Ward) by-election on Saturday, 15 October have been announced by the NSW Electoral Commission.

Nominations open: City of Ryde (West Ward)

2 Sep 2022

Candidate nominations for the City of Ryde (West Ward) by-election open Monday, 5 September.

By-election date: City of Ryde (West Ward)

24 Aug 2022

Saturday, 15 October 2022 has been set as the date for a by-election to fill one councillor position in the City of Ryde (West Ward).

Election day voting: Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton council elections

29 Jul 2022

Voters are reminded that election day for the Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton council elections is tomorrow, Saturday 30 July.

Early voting opens Monday: Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton council elections

15 Jul 2022

Early voting opens this Monday, 18 July for voters in Kempsey Shire Council, Shellharbour City Council Ward A and Singleton Council, ahead of election day on Saturday, 30 July.

Candidates announced: Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton

1 Jul 2022

Candidates for the NSW local council elections for Kempsey Shire Council, Shellharbour City Council - Ward A and Singleton Council on Saturday, 30 July have been announced.

Nominations close: Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton council elections

29 Jun 2022

Ballot paper draw for NSW local council elections to be held Thursday 30 June.

Call for nomination notice: Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton

21 Jun 2022

Candidates are invited to nominate for the NSW local council elections in Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton.

Nominations open: Kempsey, Shellharbour Ward A and Singleton

17 Jun 2022

Candidate nominations for local council elections open Monday, 20 June.

New council elections date: Kempsey, Singleton and Shellharbour Ward A

8 Jun 2022

Saturday, 30 July has been set as the date for local council elections to be held for Kempsey Shire Council, Singleton Council and Shellharbour City Council Ward A only.

Election notices: Local government elections 30 July 2022

6 Jun 2022

An election will be held for Shellharbour City Council (Ward A), Singleton Council, and Kempsey Shire Council in July 2022.

Statement: Act of grace payment for Kempsey, Singleton and Shellharbour Ward A election participants

7 Apr 2022

Participants in the local government councillor elections for Kempsey, Singleton and Shellharbour Ward A may apply for act of grace payments to reimburse electoral expenditure incurred.

Statement: Supreme Court judgment concerning iVote and the 2021 Local Government elections

17 Mar 2022

On 17 March 2022, the Supreme Court of NSW delivered judgment in relation to an application brought by the NSW Electoral Commissioner around the operation of the iVote system.

Electoral Commissioner’s determination - iVote will not be used for 2023 NSW State election

16 Mar 2022

John Schmidt, the Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales, has determined that iVote will not be used for the 2023 NSW State election.

Local Government by-elections: Election day and results

25 Feb 2022

More than 50 per cent of voters have already had their say ahead of tomorrow's Local Government by-elections in Cobar and Tenterfield Ward C.

Statement: Supreme Court proceedings concerning iVote and the 2021 NSW Local Government elections

25 Feb 2022

NSW Electoral Commissioner’s statement: Supreme Court proceedings concerning iVote and the 2021 NSW Local Government election.

Local Government by-elections: Early voting open

16 Feb 2022

Early voting is now open for enrolled residents of Cobar Shire Council and Ward C of Tenterfield Shire Council ahead of election day on Saturday, 26 February 2022. 

State by-elections: election day and results

11 Feb 2022

More than 38 per cent of voters have had already their say in the Bega, Monaro, Strathfield and Willoughby State by-elections, but results will take longer than usual to be announced.

State by-elections: time for voters to check their letterboxes

3 Feb 2022

Voters in the Bega, Monaro, Strathfield and Willoughby State by-elections should keep an eye on their mail as postal packs start arriving in letterboxes in each district.

State by-election candidates announced

28 Jan 2022

Candidates for the Bega, Monaro, Strathfield and Willoughby State by-election have been announced by the NSW Electoral Commission.

State by-elections – postal voting COVID measure

21 Jan 2022

Bega, Monaro, Strathfield and Willoughby districts to vote 12 February.

Statement: Unavailability of iVote for state and Local government by-elections

17 Jan 2022

The NSW Electoral Commission has released a statement regarding unavailability of iVote for state and Local Government by-elections.

NSW Electoral Commissioner's statement: iVote and the 2021 NSW Local government elections

23 Dec 2021

The NSW Electoral Commissioner has released a statement regarding the impact of iVote issues on the 2021 NSW Local government elections.

iVote and the 2021 NSW Local Government elections

4 Dec 2021

The NSW Electoral Commission is aware some iVote users were unable to gain access to the system to vote today.

More than 1 million people plan their vote

2 Dec 2021

Voters act early at 2021 NSW Local Government elections.

Enrolled residents of NSW should 'be vote ready'

19 Nov 2021

Voting at 2021 NSW Local Government elections begins shortly.

NSW encouraged to vote early

26 Oct 2021

Check your voting options for local council elections.

Nominations open for local council elections

25 Oct 2021

Prospective candidates must act now to be included on ballot.

Candidates encouraged to get a head start

21 Oct 2021

Candidates for the NSW local council elections can begin preparing their nomination applications online now.

Help wanted to deliver democracy

15 Oct 2021

We're recruiting more than 30,000 people across NSW to ahead of the December local council elections.

Enrolment notice

11 Oct 2021

Check or update your enrolment details for the 2021 NSW Local Government elections.

Thinking of nominating as a candidate for your local council?

7 Oct 2021

Information for prospective candidates at the 2021 NSW Local Government elections.

NSW redistribution: Final determination published

26 Aug 2021

Statement issued by the Chairperson of the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel.

2021 Local Government elections postponed

25 Jul 2021

The NSW Government has postponed the 2021 Local Government elections for three months.

Help wanted to deliver democracy

4 Jun 2021

State-wide recruitment drive underway for local council elections.

Upper Hunter goes to the polls

22 May 2021

More than 40 per cent of eligible voters have already had their say ahead of election day in the Upper Hunter State electoral district by-election.

Upper Hunter by-election: Early voting open

10 May 2021

Early voting in person is now available for eligible voters of the Upper Hunter electoral district.

Upper Hunter by-election: Candidates announced

7 May 2021

Candidates for the Upper Hunter State by-election have been announced by the NSW Electoral Commission. 

Upper Hunter by-election: Candidates to be announced

3 May 2021

Candidates who have nominated for the Upper Hunter State by-election will be announced on Friday, 7 May.

Upper Hunter by-election: Candidate nominations open

30 Apr 2021

Following the issue of the writ, nominations can now be lodged.

Redistribution public hearing

7 Apr 2021

A public hearing is to be held into the draft determination of NSW’s state electoral districts.

Notice of public hearing

6 Apr 2021

Statement issued by the Chairperson of the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel.

State by-election for the district of Upper Hunter

1 Apr 2021

The NSW Electoral Commissioner has been advised that the Member for Upper Hunter resigned from Parliament.

NSW redistribution: Proposed electoral districts published

9 Nov 2020

Statement issued by the Chairperson of the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel.

Draft changes to NSW electoral districts are now released for public consultation

9 Nov 2020

Draft changes to NSW electoral district names and boundaries are published today for public consultation.

Redistribution of NSW electoral districts – suggestion period closing soon

25 Jun 2020

Electoral districts in New South Wales are being reviewed. 

New date set for local government elections

17 Jun 2020

The Minister for Local Government has advised that the next local government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September 2021.

Start of the NSW electoral districts redistribution process

1 Jun 2020

Statement issued by the Chairperson of the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel.

Redistribution of NSW electoral districts – suggestions and comments invited

1 Jun 2020

The 93 electoral districts in New South Wales are being reviewed, and the boundaries redrawn if necessary, to ensure equal numbers of voters in each district.

Impact of COVID-19 on the redistribution process

20 Apr 2020

Statement issued by the Chairperson of the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel.

2020 Local government elections postponed

26 Mar 2020

The NSW Government has postponed the 2020 Local government elections for 12 months.

The electoral districts of NSW will be reviewed in 2020

31 Jan 2020

The Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel has been appointed and the redistribution process is expected to be completed in 2021.

iVote source code publication update

14 Nov 2019

An update on our program of work to support transparency and public confidence around iVote.

iVote code released for review

30 Jul 2019

Source code for 2019 NSW State election online voting released for review and comment.

2019 Payment summaries and income statements

18 Jun 2019

If you worked at a NSW State election or local council by-election, you can find your income statement or payment summary by logging on to the myGov website.

Distribution of preferences for the Legislative Council

12 Apr 2019

The distribution of preferences for the Legislative Council will take place 11am Monday, 15 April 2019 at The Portside Centre, 207 Kent Street, Sydney.

Distribution of preferences for the Legislative Assembly to occur Thursday, 4 April

2 Apr 2019

The distribution of preferences for the Legislative Assembly will take place on Thursday, 4 April 2019 at each Election Manager’s office in their respective electoral district.

Election notices: Local government by-election 15 October 2022

26 Mar 2019

An election will be held for the City of Ryde (West Ward) on Saturday, 15 October 2022 to fill one councillor position. 

Legislative Council check count update

26 Mar 2019

The check count (batching and data entry) for the Legislative Council ballot papers began on Sunday at the Legislative Council count centre, Rosehill Racecourse Exhibition Hall.

NSW Electoral Commission statement on Legislative Council vote count

25 Mar 2019

The NSW Electoral Commission is aware of a media release jointly issued by a number of minor parties and independent candidates today.

NSW Electoral Commission iVote and Swiss Post e-voting update

22 Mar 2019

In its media release dated 12 March 2019, the NSW Electoral Commission advised it was aware of an issue relating to its iVote internet and telephone voting system.

iVote registration update

22 Mar 2019

The NSW Electoral Commission has confirmed that problems have been experienced today with the iVote registration system.

NSW Electoral Commission iVote and Swiss Post e-voting

12 Mar 2019

The NSW Electoral Commission is aware of an issue relating to its iVote internet and telephone voting system.

NSW State election ballot draws for Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council

6 Mar 2019

The NSW Electoral Commission will hold the ballot draws for the 93 electoral districts of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council at 10am, Thursday 7 March.

Get Vote Fit, Be Vote Ready

4 Mar 2019

NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt today announced he had received writs for the election of 93 members of the Legislative Assembly and 21 members of the Legislative Council.

Text messages distributed regarding telephone and internet voting (iVote)

1 Mar 2019

The NSW Electoral Commission is aware of text messages distributed regarding the iVote technology assisted voting platform for the NSW State election on 23 March 2019.

Half-yearly donation disclosures published online

27 Feb 2019

Disclosures of political donations made and received during the six month period ending December 2018 are now available on the NSW Electoral Commission website. 

NSW State election logistics facts and figures

13 Feb 2019

Planning and executing the NSW State election on 23 March this year is a major logistics exercise and involves thousands of workers and venues across 93 NSW State election districts.

NSW State election 23 March 2019 – Get ready to vote

11 Feb 2019

Applications are now open for postal and iVote online and telephone voting for the NSW State election being held on Saturday, 23 March 2019.

Workers needed for the NSW State election

11 Feb 2019

Are you free on Saturday 23 March this year to work at the NSW State election?

Less than two weeks to go until the City of Griffith Local government by-election

8 Feb 2019

Voters in the City of Griffith local government area are reminded to cast their vote in the by-election being held on 16 February 2019.

Less than two weeks to go until Uralla Ward A by-election - pre-poll voting now open

5 Feb 2019

Voters in the Uralla Ward A local government area are reminded to cast their vote for the Uralla Ward A by-election, being held on Saturday, 16 February 2019.

Less than two weeks to go until Lachlan D Ward by-election - pre-poll voting now open

5 Feb 2019

Voters in the Lachlan D Ward local government area are reminded to cast their vote for the Lachlan D Ward by-election, being held on Saturday, 16 February 2019.

Pre-poll voting for City of Griffith by-election now open

4 Feb 2019

Pre-poll voting for the upcoming City of Griffith Local government by-election is now open ahead of the Griffith by-election on 16 February 2019.

Postal vote applications now open for City of Griffith by-election

24 Jan 2019

Applications for postal votes at the upcoming City of Griffith Local government by-election are now open.

Thousands of jobs available for the NSW State election 23 March 2019

14 Jan 2019

NSW Electoral Commission is seeking 10,000 staff for the 2019 State election.

iVote source code review invitation

7 Jan 2019

The NSW Electoral Commissioner is inviting requests from individuals who have a private or academic interest and expertise in electronic voting.

Apply to work at the 2019 NSW State election

25 Nov 2018

The NSW Electoral Commission is encouraging applications for jobs at the 2019 State election.

Annual disclosures for 2017/18 financial year now available

22 Nov 2018

Disclosures of political donations made and/or received and electoral expenditure incurred for the 2017/18 financial year are now available.

2018 Wagga Wagga by-election count update

14 Sep 2018

The NSW Electoral Commissioner advises that the distribution of preferences to ascertain the result of the Wagga Wagga State by-election will be conducted at 1pm, Friday, 14 September 2018. 

2018 Wagga Wagga by-election count

12 Sep 2018

The NSW Electoral Commission has revised its timeline for processing the final vote count for the Wagga Wagga State by-election held on Saturday, 8 September 2018.

Media Advisory - 2017 disclosures published

21 Nov 2017

NSW Electoral Commission declaration of disclosures July 2016 - June 2017 are now available online.

Get ready to vote at the 2017 Local government elections

1 Sep 2017

NSW local government elections are on Saturday, 9 September 2017.

Early voting for 2017 Local government elections begins Monday

25 Aug 2017

Early voting for the NSW Local Council elections begins Monday, 28 August for people who can't vote on election day, Saturday, 9 September 2017.

Thousands to vote before Saturday, 9 September 2017

18 Aug 2017

Thousands of people are expected to take advantage of early voting leading up to the NSW Council elections to be held on Saturday, 9 September 2017.

2017 Local council election nominations closed

15 Aug 2017

Nominations for the NSW Local council elections closed at noon, Wednesday 9 August.

Media statement concerning 2017 Local government elections

11 Aug 2017

Local government elections are to be held on Saturday, 9 September 2017.

Counting schedules and results information for the 2017 Local government elections

11 Aug 2017

Results will be available from after 6pm, Saturday 9 September 2017 on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Ballot paper draw for 2017 Local government elections

8 Aug 2017

Nominations close at 12 noon Wednesday, 9 August for candidates wishing to contest the NSW Local Council elections to be held Saturday, 9 September 2017.

Candidates nominate for 2017 NSW local government elections

4 Aug 2017

As at 9am today, 436 candidate nominations have been accepted for the 45 NSW councils whose elections are being managed by the NSW Electoral Commission.