18 July 2008

An elector information campaign targeting the State’s 4.4 million voters begins next week to promote voter responsibilities leading up to the 2008 local government elections.

Advertisements have been placed in metropolitan, regional and community language media across NSW for the duration of the campaign, which runs from 21 July to 13 September.

The campaign message is that “Your vote is your voice in your local area. Be heard”.

“The first phase of the campaign urges voters to check their enrolment details before the roll closes on 4 August at 6.00pm,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry.

“The second phase will carry important information about pre-polling and postal voting arrangements and the third phase will actually remind people to vote.”

The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) is conducting the local council elections to the same high standard as a state or federal election.

The NSWEC has also produced 1 million elector information brochures for councils that wanted a direct communication with electors or households in the council area. The brochure provides key information about the elections and links a voter’s electoral information to local polling place information.

“All Australian citizens, over 18 who live in NSW are required to enrol to vote so it’s important to make sure you’re details are up to date. If you’ve recently turned 18, moved house or if you’re just not sure what council or ward you belong to, then call us or visit our website to check your details”.
 
The NSWEC is conducting the elections to the same high standard as a state or federal election in 148 council areas across NSW.

The residential and non-residential electoral rolls close at 6.00pm on Monday, 4 August and candidates have until noon on Wednesday, 13 August to nominate for public office.

Enrolment forms are available at any post office, by visiting www.elections.nsw.gov.au or calling the Elector Enquiry Centre on 1300 135 736. The NSWEC also provides a telephone typewriter service for the hearing and speech impaired (TTY 02 9247 3568) and for enquiries in languages other than English call our interpreting service on 13 14 50.

Media Contact:  Adrian Kerr, Corporate Communications
(02) 9290 5954  adrian.kerr@elections.nsw.gov.au