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The following is information about voting in a Local Government election, how to run for Council and how often elections are held.
Elections for Councillors are held every four years on the second Saturday in the month of September. All residents of the Shire who are over 18 years of age are required to vote in the local Council election. The next election will be held in September 2008.
The Mayoral Election usually takes place each year at the September Council meeting. The elected Councillors will elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the following year. The public cannot vote for who will have the role of Mayor, but are more than welcome to attend the September meeting when the Mayoral Election takes place.
Local Government elections are governed by the State Electoral Commission and this election date is the same for all Council elections in New South Wales. The public will be reminded of an upcoming election via the media in the weeks preceding the September election. Polling booths, (places that you are able to lodge a vote) will also be advertised in this period. If you have just moved to Narrabri Shire, you are required to contact the Electoral Commission and notify them that you have relocated to a different Local Council area. Once you have notified them that you are residing within the Narrabri area, you will be required to vote for the members of the Narrabri Shire Council every four years. You are advised to check the Electoral Commissions rules and conditions regarding voting. Voting is compulsory and penalties apply for those that do not vote in an election.
Please view The Electoral Commission website to determine conditions, procedures and contact details.
A person may run for Council providing they meet they specified requirements in the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW). This criteria is set out in Sections 274, 275, 276 and 277 of this act. If you require any further information feel free to contact the Council in order to discuss the sections of the Act.
Invitations for nominations to Council are advertised in the local press in the period preceding the election.
Councillors are appointed by popular vote. They are representatives of the Shire, as voted by all the residents of the Shire who are over the age of 18.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by their fellow Councillors. In electing the 12 Councillors to represent the interests of the Shire, you are also entrusting them to nominate an appropriate Mayor and Deputy Mayor for your Shire.
To view information on the current Councillors or on becoming a Councillor visit the Councillors section of this website.
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