If you're passionate about what happens in your local community, becoming a Councillor is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and to represent the interests of residents.
Nominations are now open, closing 12pm Wednesday 3 November 2021. To nominate, visit the Office of Local Government website. Due to COVID-19, it is preferred that candidates nominate online.
For a list of frequently asked questions for candidates, click here.
Register to start campaigning as a candidate or group
Registrations to start campaigning as a candidate or a group are now open.
If you are considering becoming a candidate we recommend you understand the processes that are involved in becoming a candidate and the laws that apply to how you campaign and raise and spend money campaigning. Before accepting political donations or making payments for electoral expenditure, a candidate or group must be registered for the election. Accepting political donations includes raising funds through fundraisers. Electoral expenditure is any expenditure that promotes or opposes a political party or candidate, or influences the vote at the election.
NOTE: Being registered as a candidate or group for the election is a separate process to being nominated to have your name included on a ballot paper.
For more information or to register, click here.
Candidates and groups that will not accept political donations or make payments for electoral expenditure before being nominated are taken to be registered when they are nominated by the Returning Officer. This is usually the day after the close of nominations. From this time, all nominated candidates and groups can lawfully accept political donations and make payments for electoral expenditure for the election.
More information for candidates
If you are considering running as a candidate, it is recommended you have a look at the information available on the NSW Electoral Commission's website.
We suggest beginning by reading this helpful page outlining the six steps to being a candidate.
Watch this video about former Armidale Dumaresq Council Mayor Peter Ducat's experience as a councillor and why you should consider running:
Watch this video about former Guyra Shire Council Mayor Robyn Jackson's experience as a councillor and why those from Guyra and surrounding villages should stand: