There are 128 local government councils in NSW. Each council represents a local government area. The NSW Electoral Commission will be conducting the elections for 126 councils on Saturday, 14 September 2024 for the election of Councillors. Some councils will also be holding mayoral elections, constitutional referendums and/or polls. Fairfield City Council and Liverpool City Council have chosen to use a commercial election provider.
Voting is compulsory at all NSW local government elections except for council polls.
Notice and advertising of entitlement to enrol and vote
Monday, 5 August 2024
Start of regulated period for electoral material
8am: Lodgement of nominations open
6pm: Close of roll for the purposes of being a candidate or nominator
Tuesday, 6 August 2024
Lodgement of postal vote applications open
Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Notice and advertising of election and to nominate
Monday, 12 August 2024
Half-yearly donations and major political donors disclosures due
Wednesday, 14 August 2024
12 noon: Close of nominations and close of registration of candidates and groups
Registration of electoral materials open
Thursday, 15 August 2024
2pm: Ballot paper draw conducted
2pm: Uncontested elections declared
Monday, 19 August 2024
Postal packs distribution begins
Monday, 2 September 2024
Display of registered electoral material website commences
Friday, 6 September 2024
5pm: Registration of electoral material closes
Saturday, 7 September 2024
Pre-poll voting period opens
(Note: days and times will vary for each location and no voting Sunday, 8 September)
Telephone assisted voting applications and voting opens
Monday, 9 September 2024
5pm: Postal vote applications close
Registration of third-party campaigners closes
Friday, 13 September 2024
Pre-poll voting period closes
(Note: times will vary for each location)
Telephone assisted voting applications close
Saturday, 14 September 2024
8am – 6pm: Election day
1pm: Telephone assisted voting closes
6pm: Regulated period for electoral material ends
End of capped expenditure period
Monday, 23 September 2024
Last day to lodge annual electoral expenditure disclosure
Friday, 27 September 2024
6pm: End of postal vote returns
Monday, 30 September 2024
Start of progressive distribution of preferences
Tuesday, 1 October 2024
Start of progressive declaration of results
Wednesday, 2 October 2024
End of progressive distribution of preferences
Thursday, 3 October 2024
End of progressive declaration of results
The 2024 NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 14 September 2024. We are looking for people to work at these elections, including people who have never worked at an election before. Expressions of interest are now open.
You must vote at a venue in your enrolled council area (or ward if you live in a divided council area). You cannot vote at a venue in another area. Use the address lookup tool to find your council or ward. Polling place locations will be made available closer to the election date.
No interstate voting
As electors cannot vote outside their council area or ward, the NSW Electoral Commission is not providing interstate voting. Electors who will be travelling and unable to attend to vote in their area can postal vote.
Voting in person before election day
For the 2024 NSW Local Government elections, pre-poll voting is available from Saturday, 7September to Friday, 13 September 2024 (excluding Sunday) for eligible electors. Find out who is eligible to vote early.Electorswill be asked to verbally declare the reason they are voting early.
You must vote at a venue that is located within your enrolled council area (or ward if you live in a divided council area). Use the address lookup tool to find your council or ward.
Postal voting
Postal vote applications are available on 6August 2024. Electors can apply online or download an application form from this date.
Telephone assisted voting
Telephone assisted voting is only available to people who are blind or have low vision.
More information about telephoneassisted voting will be available closer to the 2024 NSW Local Government elections.
Voting in person on election day
Election day is 14 September 2024. You must vote at a venue that is located within your enrolled council area (or ward if you live in a divided council area). Use the address lookup tool to find the council or ward you live in. If you have moved since you voted last, you should check your enrolment and change your address if necessary.
Postal voting
Postal votes must be completed by 6pm on election day, Saturday, 14 September 2024.The NSW Electoral Commissionmust receive your completed postal voteno later than 6pm Friday, 27 September 2024.
Telephone assisted voting
Telephone assisted voting is only available to people who are blind or have low vision.More information on telephone voting will be available closer to the 2024 NSW Local Government elections.
Braille ballot papers
Braille ballot papers will be available for the 2024 NSW Local Government election. Electors who wish to vote using braille ballot papers can apply by calling us on 1300 135 736 or by email to enquiries@elections.nsw.gov.au
Applications for braille ballot papers are open from Monday, 1 July to 6pm on Monday, 5 August 2024.
Braille ballot papers can be:
posted to an elector’s enrolled address or an alternative address, or
delivered to a voting centre (during pre-poll or for election day) within the elector’s council area, where the papers will be completed in person.
Learn about becoming a candidate for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections. Please read all details under each topic to see what is applicable to you and the relevant deadlines under each topic.
Featured: Election date; Candidate information webinars; Candidate, group and third-party campaigners must register to start campaigning; Compliance with electoral funding laws; Disclosure obligations; Campaign accounts; Information and support; Administration of the 2024 elections in Fairfield and Liverpool.
Featured: Election calendar; Candidate and participant information; Candidate and participant helpdesk; Registration for candidates and groups; Nomination as a candidate; Upcoming actions requested of registered parties; Postal vote applications; Registration of third-party campaigners; Amendments to registered details of candidates, groups or third-party campaigners; Determining who is responsible for compliance with electoral funding laws; Funding and disclosure online; Administration of the 2024 elections in Fairfield and Liverpool.
Featured: Nomination online management system now live; Registered political party logins for NOMS are available now; Registration for candidates and groups; Amendments to the Register of Parties; Capped expenditure period commenced 1 July; Political donation caps for 2024/2025 financial year; Candidate and participant information; Political donation awareness and resources; End of financial year disclosures due; Candidate resources: Office of Local Government campaign.
Featured: Candidate handbook; Candidate and participant webinars; Nomination Online Management System (NOMS) is now available; Reminder – important information on website about donation and expenditure rules; Registration of candidates, groups and third-party campaigners; Accepting and using political donations; Reminder regarding campaign accounts; Electoral funding disclosure obligations as a current Councillor or Mayor.
