Candidates nominate for 2017 NSW local government elections
As at 9am today, 436 candidate nominations have been accepted for the 45 NSW councils whose elections are being managed by the NSW Electoral Commission. Numbers are expected to rise sharply between now and the close of nominations at noon Wednesday, 9 August. Candidate names are published online as they are accepted.
NSW Electoral Commissioner, John Schmidt reminds prospective candidates to nominate as soon as possible. "The nominations deadline is strictly enforced. To avoid any problems with the nomination, candidates should lodge as early as possible.
"A candidate must be properly enrolled in the council area they wish to represent and must either be nominated by at least two people who are correctly enrolled in the same council area or ward, or by a Registered Political Party".
Mr Schmidt also reminds candidates about funding rules for the election.
"Candidates, political parties, third-party campaigners and political donors should acquaint themselves with the rules for election campaign finances. Candidates and groups must also be registered with the NSW Electoral Commission before accepting donations or incurring campaign expenses.
"There are limits on the amounts that can be donated to any registered political parties or groups, which are now capped at $6,100, and a $2,700 cap to unregistered parties, councillors, candidates and third-party campaigners. Third-party campaigners must be registered before incurring more than $2,000 on electoral communication expenditure".
Information: call 1300 135 736.
Not all NSW councils are having elections. To see if your council is having an election and whether you need to vote, visit the website or call 1300 135 736.
Maitland City Council is managing its own election. Enquiries about this election should be directed to the council.
Enquiries about election campaign finances for all councils should be directed to the NSW Electoral Commission.
Media contact
nswecmedia@elections.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9290 5936