Candidate nominations open: NSW State election
Prospective candidates can now start lodging their nominations for the upcoming 2023 NSW State election with the NSW Electoral Commission.
Nominations are the process by which candidates have their name included on ballot papers. They must be lodged by 12 noon on Wednesday, 8 March.
NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt said no changes to nominations or new lodgements can be accepted after 12 noon on Wednesday 8 March. Late nominations and amendments are not permitted under legislation.
“We encourage candidates to lodge early so we can review their nomination to help check whether their paperwork is in order. By lodging well before the deadline, there’s time for candidates to correct any errors identified by our team and ensure they meet the nomination requirements,” he said.
Mr Schmidt said candidates may be nominated by either a registered political party or 25 electors, enrolled in the district in the case of Legislative Assembly candidates.
“Support is available to prospective candidates through webinars, drop-in sessions, online resources and FAQs on our website.”
Mr Schmidt also said nominations are a separate process from registering as a candidate for electoral funding purposes.
“Registration for electoral funding does not get a candidate’s name on the ballot paper – only a valid nomination by 12 noon on Wednesday 8 March 2023 does that.”
“But candidates must still be registered with the NSW Electoral Commission before accepting political donations or making payments for electoral expenditure up to 12 noon on 8 March 2023. After close of nominations on 8 March, all nominated candidates who have not already registered will be deemed registered to accept donations and pay for their campaigns.”
“I encourage anyone with questions about the process of nominating as a candidate in the upcoming State election to visit the Six steps to becoming a candidate page on our website.”
More information about nominations, and registration, is available in the NSW Electoral Commission’s Candidate Handbook. Nominations and registrations may be submitted online through the NSW Electoral Commission’s website.
Following the ballot paper draws on Thursday, 9 March, candidate details will be published in ballot paper order at elections.nsw.gov.au.
ALERT: Ballot paper draws
Media are invited to attend the Legislative Assembly ballot paper draws and the Legislative Council ballot paper draw from 10am, Thursday 9 March.
The ballot paper draws will be held to determine the position of candidates on the ballot papers.
This Legislative Council ballot paper draw will take place at the NSW Electoral Commission’s Liverpool street office and will also be streamed live via the NSW Electoral Commission website.
The Legislative Assembly ballot paper draws will be held at the Election Managers office for each district.
For more information or to RSVP email nswecmedia@elections.nsw.gov.au