Voting & Elections

It is your responsibility for checking that you are eligible for inclusion when you make an application. More information can be found by reading the NSW Electoral Commission’s non-residential roll fact sheet.

Fact Sheet. 

Working at an election is a great way for members of the community to earn money, learn new skills and deliver democracy by helping people to have their say. There are positions available during the election period and on election day itself. More information, including position descriptions, pay rates, and the link to apply, can be found on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

NSW Electoral Commission Website

The NSW Electoral Commission has a range of informative material regarding the becoming a candidate, election processes, your legal obligations, registration of electoral material, disclosure of political donations and electoral expenditure.

NSW Electoral Commission website

The Office of Local Government (OLG) have a wide range of resources for people considering becoming a candidate. Information includes thorough information about becoming and being a councillor, roles and responsibilities as a Councillor as well as information regarding eligibility and the nomination process. The guides provided by the OLG have been prepared as an introduction to the role of councillors and the operation of councils.

Office of Local Government website

For specific links to NSW Electoral Commission and Office of Local Government material click on the 'Becoming a Councillor Information' fact sheet. 

Becoming a Councillor Factsheet(PDF, 31KB)

Below is a presentation by Narrabri Shire Council for interested Narrabri Shire community members on becoming a Councillor.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide community members an insight into:

• The roles and responsibilities of becoming a Councillor
• How Local Government works
• Process in standing for election
• Where to access more information

Narrabri Shire Council: Becoming a Councillor

With the timing of this Local Government ordinary election over the Christmas and New Year, the following is the draft schedule of inductions, briefings and when and how Councillors will gain access to Council issued IT equipment.

 Councillor Induction and Briefing Schedule 2022(PDF, 699KB)

Elections for Councillors are held every four years 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.  

Local Government elections are governed by the NSW 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 prior to 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 NSW 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.

Councillors are appointed by popular vote. They are representatives of Narrabri 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 9 Councillors to represent the interests of the Shire, you are also entrusting them to nominate an appropriate Mayor and Deputy Mayor for your Shire.