NSW Local Government Elections
2024 NSW Local Government Elections will be held on Saturday 14 September.
For more information about the election visit the NSW Electoral Commission.
Information for candidates
If you are passionate about what happens in your local community becoming a councillor is an opportunity to make a difference and to represent the interests of residents. Councils are responsible for making significant decisions that have a far-reaching impact on their community.
With community diversity represented on a council comes a range of perspectives and experience. The Office of Local Government has developed a range of resources aimed at increasing the representation of our diverse communities on local councils.
The NSW Office of Local Government website contains comprehensive information about becoming and being a councillor, including eligibility and the nomination process. Information has been prepared as an introduction to the role of councillors and the operation of councils. It is a starting point to help you decide whether you would like to run in the next council election.
The Office of Local Government has also launched a comprehensive online candidate training tool. The interactive resource, which can be found in the resources section of their website, provides candidates with detailed information about running for election and the roles and responsibilities of councils and councillors.
For more detailed information on how to nominate and register as a candidate, election campaign finances as well as your funding and disclosure obligations, you can visit the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) website www.elections.nsw.gov.au. The NSWEC provides support and assistance to candidates to help them understand their legal obligations regarding political donations and electoral expenditure.
If you would like further information about becoming a councillor:
Non-Residential roll applications
If you have the right to vote in federal or state elections, you also have the right to be enrolled as an elector at a local government election in the ward or council area you live in.
When you enrol to vote, you will automatically be included on the residential roll for the ward or council area you live in. You must vote in local government elections in the ward or council area you live in.
Voting as a non-resident in Armidale Regional Council area:
You are eligible to vote as a non-resident in a ward or council area if you are:
- an owner of rateable land in the ward or council area
- an occupier or rate-paying lessee of rateable land in the ward or council area.
Non-residential rolls are prepared and certified by each council's general manager, and the NSW Electoral Commissioner must confirm that the voters listed are eligible for enrolment on the non-residential roll. However, you are responsible for checking that you are eligible for inclusion in the non-residential roll for a council or ward when you make an application.