More than 1 million people plan their vote

Voting ahead of this year’s NSW Local Government elections on Saturday, 4 December is well underway, with more than 1,045,000 people casting their vote early or making arrangements to vote by post or online.

The NSW Electoral Commission has received 290,827 applications for postal votes, 215,757 applications to use iVote and more than 538,485 people have already voted in-person.

John Schmidt, NSW Electoral Commissioner said it was encouraging to see so many people had already cast their vote and reminded those voting in person over the next two days to vote safely.

“Careful planning has gone into delivering these elections and safety has been our top priority,” he said.

“All polling places are being operated in line with our COVID-safe election guidelines including masks, physical distancing, single-use pens, queue management and voting screen inserts. Signage and staff will direct attendees to check-in using the ServiceNSW app and comply with NSW Health advice.” 

iVote, the Commission’s technology-assisted online and telephone voting platform, is being utilised at a Local Government election for the first time in 2021, subject to strict eligibility criteria.

“Voting at the Local Government elections is compulsory. You must ensure you’ve cast your vote by 6pm, Saturday, 4 December or penalties may apply.”

Find out more about voting options and where to head if you choose to cast your vote at a polling place by visiting elections.nsw.gov.au.

Postal vote applications have closed. To be counted, postal votes must be received by the Electoral Commission no later than Friday, 17 December 2021. Early voting in person is open to everyone at these elections.

Results will be published as they become available on the NSW Electoral Commission’s website.

News editors please note: Figures correct as of 11pm Tuesday 30 November. The latest pre-poll numbers are available on our website under the label Pre-election metrics. LGA-specific and ward-by-ward early voting numbers are not available.

Penrith and Fairfield councils are conducting their own elections. Enquiries should be directed to these councils. Balranald Shire Council, Central Darling Shire Council, Central Coast Council and Wingecarribee Council are not having an election. Election funding enquiries for all councils should be directed to the NSW Electoral Commission.

General enquiries
1300 135 736

Media contact
nswecmedia@elections.nsw.gov.au