Local Government Election

The NSW Local Government Elections will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024.

Local Government elections in New South Wales are held every four years.

For more information about these elections, please visit the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Information for Residents and Voters

Voting

Voting is compulsory for all residents of the Forbes local government area who are registered on the electoral roll. Electors enrolled for federal and state elections are automatically enrolled for their local council area. There is no absentee voting in local government elections. If you are unable to vote on election day you can vote by either pre-poll or postal.

Electoral Roll

The Electoral Roll is prepared and maintained by the Australian Electoral Commission. New residents should complete the electoral enrolment form and forward it to the Electoral Office. Enrolment forms can be obtained from any Australia Post Office.

Check your enrolment details are up to date with the Australian Electoral Commission.

Non-Residential Roll

You are eligible to vote as a non-resident in a ward or council area if you are:

• an owner of rateable land in the ward or council area
• an occupier or rate-paying lessee of rateable land in the ward or council area

To register to vote in the Local Government Election all applications to for the Non-Resident roll must be received by Council on Monday 5 August 2024 by 6pm (no later).
On Monday 5 August 2024, after 6pm Council passes electoral details of each eligible non-resident to the NSW Electoral Commission for verification. The details of those verified are then added to the authorised electoral roll for the 2024 election.
The Forbes Non-Residential Roll can be viewed on request and in person at Council's Administration Office at 2 Court Street, Forbes. 
For further information on Non-Residential Rolls requirements visit the NSW Electoral Commission at Non-residential enrolment for local government election - NSW Electoral Commission

To apply to be included on the non-residential roll of Forbes Shire Council, please complete the application form which applies to your situation from the list below:

• Application for Individual (PDF 220.9KB)
• Application to Nominate on behalf of a corporation (PDF 292.6KB)

Please submit the completed form to Council no later than 6pm Monday 5 August 2024:

Mail: PO Box 333 Forbes NSW 2871

In person: 2 Court Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Email: forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Postal Vote           

Applications open for Postal Voting open on 6 August 2024 and close on 9 September 2024 at 5pm.

Applications can be made online or an application form downloaded at the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Postal Voting Returns close on 27 September 2024 at 6pm.

Pre-Poll Voting

Pre-poll voting will be available from Saturday 7 September 2024 to Friday 13 September 2024 at the Forbes Town Hall, Harold Street, Forbes.

Pre-poll Voting will be open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Polling Venues

Polling will take place on Saturday 14 September 2024 8am - 6pm at:

• Town Hall, Harold Street, Forbes.
• Bedgerabong Public School, North Condobolin Road, Bedgerabong
• Forbes High School, 18 Wyndham Ave, Forbes.
• Forbes Tennis Club, Church St Forbes.

Information for Candidates

Becoming a Candidate

Visit the NSW Electoral Commission's website for information regarding how to become a candidate and the obligations that apply. This page also has links to register for upcoming webinars and view recordings of those already held.  

Key Dates

Office of Local Government Resources

The Office of Local Government has a number of guides for those thinking of becoming Councillors.

1. Become a Councillor

2. Information for Candidates

3.Promoting Diversity in Local Government

4.Women in Local Government

NSW Electoral Commission Resources

The NSW Electoral Commission has comprehensive resources to ensure candidates are aware of the election processes and their legal obligations.
Visit their dedicated Local Government Elections 2021 page for more information and to register for their candidate webinars.

Local election work opportunities

NSW Election Commission has Expressions of interest open to work at the Local Government election in September. 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 Election Commission  website.

Positions available during the election period

People are employed before and/or after election day to provide administrative, clerical and computer support to the returning officer.

Position descriptions

• Senior Office Assistant - Staffing and venues
• Senior Office Assistant - Pre-poll
• Senior Office Assistant - Counting and results 
• Senior Office Assistant - Election material
• Office Assistant 

Positions available on election day

People employed on election day may be required to assist with the setup of the polling place, issue ballot papers, assist electors, sort and count ballot papers and decommission the polling place.

Position descriptions

• Polling Place Manager
• Deputy Polling Place Manager
• Declaration Vote Issuing Officer
• Election Official

If you have any queries regarding this information, please call NSW Election Commission on 1300 135 736 (Mon- Fri, 9am- 5pm).