NSW Local Government (Council) Elections Voting

NSW Local Government (Council) Elections Voting

Agenda This presentation provides information about the NSW Local Government (Council) Elections. It includes information about: The role of the NSW Electoral Commission. Who has to vote? When, how and where to vote? What happens if you need assistance. Contact details for the NSW Electoral Commission.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION

Elections in Australia There are 3 different elections in Australia: 1. National (Federal) Elections run by AEC 2. State Elections run by NSWEC 3. Local Government (Council) Elections run by NSWEC

NSW Electoral Commission Run the state and local government elections Is a Government organisation Is an independent body Looks after the NSW electoral role Provides information to the community about voting, enrolment and elections Is NOT aligned to any political party draft only

Local Government Election NSW is divided into a number of individual Councils Each local Council is governed by a group of people called Councillors Each local Council elects a number of Councillors The leader of the Councillors is called the Mayor

Local Government Election At the local government election electors are voting for Councillors and in some Councils electors may also be required to vote for the Mayor. Councils may also choose to conduct a Referendum or a Poll at the same time. This requires a separate ballot paper.

It is your choice! Local Government (Councils) make decisions about local issues: Council libraries, pools and ovals Local roads Garbage and recycling Planning and development Cultural venues and events.

It is your choice! In Australia voting is secret. You are choosing whoever you want to run your Local Government (Council). This is your chance to have your say about how your local community is run.

DO I HAVE TO VOTE?

Who can vote? You can vote if: You are over 18 years of age You have lived at your address for more than 1 month Your name is on the electoral roll.

Who can vote? If you also own a property or a business in another Council area, you can register to vote for that local Council as well.

Am I enrolled? You can check your enrolment via the NSWEC website. You need to put in your name, address and date of birth. The tool will confirm if you are enrolled and what Council area you are enrolled in.

You might be enrolled already. You may have been automatically enrolled via the SmartRoll system. The SmartRoll system gets information from other government organisations. For example, when you become an Australian citizen, or turn 18 your name may be automatically placed on the electoral roll.

How do I enrol to Vote? 1. Online - via the NSW Electoral Commission s website 2. Pick up an enrolment form at: Post office Medicare Centrelink 3. Call the NSW Electoral Commission and they will send you a form Phone: 1300 135 736

WHY SHOULD I VOTE

Why should you vote? Voting is a powerful way to have your say about what happens in your community. Voting is about many voices speaking up, saying out loud what your community needs! Voting is a basic human right!

WHEN DO I VOTE? VOTING ON ELECTION DAY

Where do I vote? On election day you vote in a polling place They are normally located at schools, halls, and community centres in your local area. They are open 8am to 6pm on Election Day.

Where do I vote? To find your closest polling place you can contact the NSW Electoral Commission

Where can I vote? At Local Government elections you cannot vote outside your area on Election Day.

Voting on Election Day? At the polling place you will need to tell the staff member your name and address so they can locate you on the electoral roll They will mark your name off to show you have voted.

Voting on Election Day? You may be given up to four different ballot papers Every Council is different You will need to read the instructions on your ballot paper carefully

Voting on Election Day When you have filled in your ballot papers you put them in the ballot boxes.

My name is not on the electoral roll Don t worry. You may still be able to vote on election Day You may have to complete a declaration envelope, sign it and place your ballot papers in it. The staff member will assist you.

WHAT IF I NEED HELP?

What if I need help? On Election Day, ask an election staff member. Look for the people wearing the blue vest. You can also take a friend or relative with you to help you vote.

What if I need help? At the polling place you can ask for: A magnifier A Maxi pen

What if I need help? On Election Day, ask an election staff member. Look for the people wearing the blue vest. If you make a mistake you can ask for another ballot paper You can also take a friend or relative with you to help you vote.

What if I need help? At polling places you have access to an interpreting service. Some staff members may speak your home language. Look for the staff member wearing a white badge in your language.

What if I need help? Blind or vision impaired voters can request Braille Ballot papers. You must pre-register with the NSW Electoral Commission to receive these.

What if I need help? Information on enrolment and voting is available in different formats from the NSW Electoral Commission s website: AUSLAN Braille on request Audio Easy-Read Guides Information in other languagues

EARLY VOTING OPTIONS

Early Voting Options If you cannot vote on Election Day there are 2 ways you can vote depending on your circumstances: 1. Postal voting 2. Voting at a Pre-poll Centre

Postal Voting You can apply for postal voting for different reasons, for example: You will be outside of your Council area on Election Day You are working on Election Day between 8.00 am 6.00 pm You have a disability You have an illness that prevents you from attending a polling place on Election day.

Postal Voting You have to apply to use postal voting. There are 2 ways you can apply: 1. By completing an online application form or 2. By requesting a paper based form to be sent to you. You need to complete the form and send it back to the NSW Electoral Commission.

Pre-poll Centres If you cannot vote on Election Day you may qualify to vote at a Pre-poll centre. Pre-poll voting opens 2 weeks before Election Day. Contact the NSW Electoral Commission to find out the location of a pre-poll centre in your community.

Pre-poll Centres You can vote at a Pre-poll Centre for many reasons including if you: Have a disability. Are caring for a person and you can t get to a polling place on election day. Will be working on election day. Will be outside of your Council area on election day. Will be interstate or overseas on election day.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON T VOTE?

What Happens if I Don t Vote? Voting is compulsory in Australia so if you don t vote you could be sent a fine. The fine for not voting at a NSW Local Government Election is $55. If you receive a fine you need to take action!

What Can I do? If you receive a fine you have options. Explain why you did not vote OR Pay the fine OR Apply to have the matter heard in court If you are not sure what to do talk to somebody you trust: A family member Friend Partner Service provider or agency

Do you need a Reminder? The NSW Electoral Commission has a voting reminder service You can receive a reminder text or email You just need to enter your contact details at the NSW Electoral Commission website

NSW ELECTORAL COMMISSION CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Information Contact the NSW Electoral Commission on: www.elections.nsw.gov.au 1300 135 736 Assistance National Relay Service 13 36 77 Telephone interpreter (voice) 13 14 50