After the close of voting and when all the votes have been counted the returning officer declares the poll. This is the official announcement of the result of the election for each district. The declaration of the poll usually takes place in the second week after the election.

Legislative Assembly declarations

The date of the declaration of the poll varies from district to district depending on the time it takes to count the votes.

The Electoral Commissioner endorses on the Writ the name of the person elected. The Writ is then returned to the Governor.

A notice of the results of the election is placed on this website and in a newspaper circulating within the district. Public declarations are sometimes made. Candidates are invited to the declaration and media representatives usually attend.

Legislative Council declarations

After all the votes have been counted the Electoral Commissioner declares the poll by placing a notice on this website and in newspapers circulating within New South Wales. The media usually report on the declaration of the poll.

The Electoral Commissioner endorses on the Writ the names of the elected candidates and the Writ is returned to the Governor.

Each Writ must be returned to the Governor within 60 days after the date of the issue of the Writs.