Elections

Local Government Elections

The Local Government election will be held on 14 September 2024.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) has launched a dedicated webpage to provide information and resources for candidates, councils, and councillors in the lead up to the elections and following the elections.  

 Local Government Elections are a chance for you to have your say and elect a Council which represents you. As a resident, here is what you need to know.

NSW Local Government Elections are generally conducted every four years and voting is compulsory.  On Saturday 14 September 2024, the election of a popularly Mayor and nine Councillors will take place in Singleton.

Singleton Council’s election will be administered by the NSW Electoral Commission. For all information including key dates and registering as a candidate please visit the NSW Electoral Commission website or phone them on 1300 135 736.

All elected members must lodge a declaration listing all political donations received and electoral expenditure incurred. A register of these declarations is available on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

 

 

Voting

Voting is compulsory for all residents and fines may apply for not voting. To check you are correctly enrolled or to obtain an enrolment form visit the Electoral Commission website, phone T 1300 135 736 or get a form from any Australia Post Office.

Non - Residential Rolls

The non-residential rolls provide people who are non-resident owners, occupiers and rate-paying lessees of rateable land within the Singleton Council area an opportunity to have a say in who is elected to Council.

There are two non-residential rolls:

  • the roll of non-resident owners of rateable land; and
  • the roll of occupiers and rate-paying lessees.

These two rolls are combined with the residential roll to form the roll of electors for the Council area, which is used during an election. The residential roll is the list of people who live in the Council area and are eligible to vote in elections.

Further information on the non-residential rolls can be viewed here.

Applications for inclusion on the non-residential rolls for the September Local Government Election close on Monday 5 August 2024.

How to become a Councillor

If you are passionate about what happens in Singleton community, becoming a Councillor is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and to represent the interests of our residents.

Council is responsible for making significant decisions that have a far-reaching impact on our community.  For all you need to know about being a Councillor visit the Office of Local Government website.

For more information about registering to commence campaigning and nominating to become a Councillor please refer to the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Nominations for candidates are open from 8am on Monday 5 August 2024 and close at midday on Wednesday 14 August 2024.

Nominations can be submitted:

  • Electronically, via the NSW Electoral Commission website; or
  • In person at the Returning Office.

As a Councillor, you are expected to represent the views of the community while making decisions in their interests, demonstrate conduct that the community expects and deserves, and plan and oversee the running of a significant and complex business.  For general information about the role of a Councillor including the Councillor Handbook, please visit the Office of Local Government website.

 

NSW State Election Reminder Facility

This facility allows electors to register for an email and/or SMS to be sent whenever a Local Government or State Parliamentary (not Federal Government) election event for which you are enrolled is pending. The information provided will also be used by the NSW Electoral Commission to contact citizens as part of electoral enrolment and/or election event processes.
  
Register for the reminder service

Work at an Election

The NSW Electoral Commission offers opportunities to work at state and local government elections. Work is available on election days and throughout the election period, the weeks before and after election day.

Working at an election is a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet people, while you also play a valuable part in contributing to democracy. The NSW Electoral Commission look for staff to work as election officials during the election period. Staff receive training, support and a competitive pay rate.

Click here for more information.

Election Campaign Signage

Singleton Council has an adopted Election Campaign Signage Policy which outlines the requirements in relation to the placement of election campaign signage within the Singleton Local Government Area during Federal, State and Local Government elections.

Election campaign signage is generally considered temporary in nature and duration.

Political advertising on Council-owned, controlled or managed land or infrastructure is prohibited.  This allows Council to remain impartial during election campaigns and ensures that all candidates have equal opportunities to display election signage.

You can view the policy here.