MPs and councillors
What is an elected member?
An elected member is a person who is a member of the NSW Parliament or a local government councillor (including the mayor).
Elected members have legal obligations and entitlements regarding political donations and electoral expenditure. Penalties may apply for non-compliance.
Elected members must understand who is responsible for the management and disclosure of political donations and electoral expenditure and for operating a campaign account.
Running for re-election
An elected member who is seeking re-election is not required to be registered as a candidate with the NSW Electoral Commission for an election. However, the elected member may register as a candidate if they elect to do so.
An elected member who is seeking re-election is not a candidate until they meet any of the following criteria:
the elected member is nominated for the election (to have their name included on a ballot paper)
the elected member is registered as a candidate for the election or
the elected member has made a payment for electoral expenditure for their election at a future election or has accepted a political donation.
Once an elected member has become a candidate (because they meet any of the above criteria) they are responsible for complying with the rules for political donations and electoral expenditure, during and after a state election or local government election.
Elected members who wish to register for an election must complete and submit directly to the NSW Electoral Commission the applicable candidate or group registration form for a State election or local government election.
For more information about candidates and group registration see register to start campaigning.