2024 NSW Local Government elections: Council update No.3

19 December 2023

1. First meeting of new councils

The proposed timetable for counting and results is relevant for councils planning their meetings for 2024, particularly the first meeting of the new council following election day. As in 2021, the close of receipt of completed postal votes is 13 days after election day.

That means postal votes can be received by the NSW Electoral Commission up to 6pm on Friday, 27 September 2024. Final counts and distributions of preferences will commence on Monday, 30 September, with the election results in each area progressively announced from Monday, 30 September to Wednesday, 2 October 2024.

Candidates have 24 hours after results are announced to lodge a request for a recount, should they wish to do so. Unless a recount request is under consideration or a recount is to be conducted, results will be declared by the returning officers as soon as practical after the recount deadlines pass, from Tuesday, 1 October to Thursday, 3 October 2024.

An election for a mayor or for councillors is only complete once results have been officially declared. Official results will be published on the Electoral Commission’s website immediately following each declaration and a copy will be provided to each council’s general manager.

2. Election webinar series

A series of webinars will be held for councils and election participants in the lead-up to the 2024 NSW Local Government elections. The second webinar for council staff is scheduled for 11am on Thursday, 14 March 2024, and will cover the following topics:

• non-residential roll
• countback elections
• Returning Officers
• candidate registrations
• candidate posters and how-to-vote material
• council and candidate support
• upcoming council and candidate webinars.

Please register your attendance.

Information about each upcoming webinar will be published on the Electoral Commission’s website and in our regular communications to councils.

Each webinar will be recorded and published on our website for viewing at any time should you be unable to attend at the scheduled time. 

3. Technology assisted voting review: Final report

The Electoral Commissioner has published the final report of his review into technology assisted voting.

The report makes recommendations about future options for technology assisted voting in New South Wales.

The report’s findings were informed by stakeholder submissions and consultation. There are no findings that impact the 2024 Local Government Elections. As at the 2023 NSW State election, technology assisted voting will only be available to electors who are blind or have low vision, via telephone voting.

Learn more about the Technology assisted voting review and read the report.

4. Follow us!

To assist councils with their own election awareness campaigns in their local communities, the Electoral Commission encourages councils to follow our social media channels. The NSW Electoral Commission is active on Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Social media will form an important part of the Electoral Commission’s approach to raising awareness of the elections and supporting electors and candidates with key information. Help us to spread the word by sharing posts relevant to your communities.

 5. Office arrangements during public service shutdown period

Except for staff delivering the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Elections in February, the NSW Electoral Commission’s office will be closed from Monday, 25 December 2023 to Friday, 5 January 2024 inclusive, in line with NSW Public Service shutdown period arrangements.

If you have any questions about the elections or the contents of this election update, please email councilelections@elections.nsw.gov.au.