Candidates
The Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (the Regulation) govern the conduct of Local Government elections in New South Wales.
This information is intended to assist candidates and registered political parties (RPPs) who participate in the election to understand relevant processes and procedures. It is not a substitute for the law. While we will provide information, we do not provide legal advice. If candidates are in doubt about any legal matters regarding the election, they should seek their own independent legal advice.
Candidates who contest local government elections should visit the Election Funding Authority for information about their funding disclosure obligations under the Election Funding Act 1981 No 78.
Key dates
Enrolment campaign
commences Monday 21 July
Close of rolls
6 pm Monday 4 August
Nominations and groupings
open Monday 4 August
close at noon Wednesday 13 August
List of electors
available during the week following close of nominations
Register electoral material
open noon, Wednesday 13 August
close 5 pm Friday 5 September
Returning officers
Names and contact details of the returning officer for each council can be found on individual council pages.
Further information
The DLG publication Becoming a Councillor provides information for people considering standing for election. It gives an overview of local government in NSW and outlines what a councillor's role is.
Becoming a Councillor
(PDF)[588.0 kb]
After each local government election, the DLG surveys all councils. A report on the findings provides information about the representation of the community on local councils. As well as describing the characteristics of councillors and candidates such as gender, age and experience, the report identifies trends over time.
Candidates and Councillors 2004
(PDF)[624.0 kb]