2024 NSW Local Government Elections

Local Government Elections will be held on September 14, 2024.

All voters will have the opportunity to elect 15 Councillors to represent five wards: Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4 and Ward 5. Voting is compulsory.

On 23 November 2022, Bayside Council resolved to engage the NSW Electoral Commissioner to administer any elections, polls or referenda for Council for the 2024 Elections. 

Save the Date Local Government Elections Saturday 14 September

Key Dates

Monday 5 August 2024

  • Close of roll for the purposes of being nominated
  • Lodgement of nominations commence

Saturday 7 September 2024 

  • Pre-poll voting period opens
  • Telephone voting registration and voting open

Monday 9 September 2024

  • Postal vote applications close at 5pm

Friday 13 September 2024

  • Pre-poll voting closes
  • Telephone voting registration closes

Saturday 14 September 2024

  • 8am - 6pm: Election day

Friday 27 September 2024

  • Postal pack return ends

You can find more information about key dates including information on postal voting, pre-poll voting, telephone voting on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Check Your Enrolment Details

Voting is compulsory for eligible Australian citizens. 

All residents are encouraged to check and if necessary, update, their enrolment details prior to the election date by visiting the NSW Electoral Commission’s website or calling 1300 135 736.

Non-Residential Roll

Registration for inclusion on the non-residential roll for the 2024 Council elections is now closed.

How to Vote

There are a number of different ways that you can cast your vote:

In-Person on Election Day (Saturday 14 September)

There will be many polling stations set up at local schools, churches, community halls and public buildings within the Bayside Council area. Voting opens at 8am on election day and closes at 6pm.

On Election Day you MUST vote at a polling place within your ward. There is no absentee voting for Council election.

The polling places for each ward within Bayside Council Local Government Area are listed at www.elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/ 

The NSW Electoral Commission’s website will publish the process of voting at a polling place on election day so you know what to expect. 

By Postal Vote

Voters are eligible for early voting, either in-person or by post, if on election day you:

  • are outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote
  • are more than 8km from a polling place
  • are travelling
  • are unable to leave your workplace to vote
  • are seriously ill, infirm, or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
  • are a patient in hospital and can't vote at the hospital
  • have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place
  • are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained
  • are a silent elector
  • have a reasonable fear for your safety.

APPLY FOR A POSTAL VOTE

Postal vote applications are available from the NSW Electorial Commission and can be requested through their website or via phone by calling 1300 135 736. Your application must be completed and received by the NSW Electoral Commission no later than 5pm on Monday, 9 September 2024.

The distribution of postal packs starts on Monday, 19 August 2024.

In-Person Before Election Day

If you are unable to attend a voting centre on election day, you can cast your vote at an early voting station.

The pre-poll voting period runs from Saturday 7 September 2024 until Friday 13 September 2024.

The NSW Electoral Commission’s website will publish details of the locations and operating times of the early voting centres. These are anticipated to include at Rockdale Town Hall and Botany Town Hall.

If you will NOT be in the Bayside Council Local Government Areas on Election Day or you cannot get to a polling booth you can:

BAYSIDE PRE-POLL LOCATIONS

Rockdale Town Hall 
Bryant Street, Rockdale NSW 2216
Accessibility:    Assisted access, No designated accessible parking

Kogarah Senior Citizens Centre 
15 Taylor Street, Kogarah NSW 2217
Accessibility:    Assisted access, No accessible toilet

Mascot Wesley Uniting Church 
118 Coward Street, Mascot NSW 2020
Accessibility:    Assisted access, No designated accessible parking, No designated accessible toilet, Building entry has lip/step, Path of travel to entrance may be difficult

The Pre-poll locations will be open Monday to Wednesday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, Thursday, 8.30am to 8.00pm, Friday, 8.30am to 6.00pm and Saturday from 9.00am to 6.00pm.  The last day to cast a pre-poll vote is Friday, 13 September 2024.

Become a Candidate in the Local Government Elections

You can find more information on each step, information session details and key dates for candidates visit the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Further information may also be available on the Office of Local Government website. 

Ward Boundary Changes

Some boundary changes to Wards 1, 2, 3 and 5 come into effect for the elections. There are five Wards in the Bayside Local Government Area:

•    Ward 1
•    Ward 2
•    Ward 3
•    Ward 4
•    Ward 5

To find out which Ward you live in, use our interactive map.

 

Information for People with Disability or Mobility Restrictions

Assistance is available for people with a disability or mobility restrictions to participate in the electoral process through the NSW Electoral Commission website. This includes braille voting papers, which will be available for the NSW Local Government elections on 14 September 2024.

You can also view the NSW Electoral Commission's factsheet on Voting Information for People with Disability and Mobility Restrictions.

Where to Vote

List of Bayside Council polling places for 2024

For more information call 1300 135 736 or visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au/elections.

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