Local Government Elections 2024
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 nine Councillors will take place in Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Upper Hunter Shire 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 1300 135 736, or get a form from any Australia Post Office.
Non-Residential Rolls
You are eligible to vote in the Upper Hunter Shire Council area as a non-resident if:
- You are the owner of rateable land in the Upper Hunter Shire Council Local Government Area
- You are a rate-paying lessee in the Upper Hunter Shire Council Local Government Area
Further information can be found at Non-residential enrolment for local government election - NSW Electoral Commission.
Applications must be received by 6pm Monday 5 August 2024. All applications will be verified by Council’s General Manager and provided to the NSW Electoral Commission for inclusion on the roll. To submit an application, please email council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au.
How to Become a Councillor
If you are passionate about what happens in the Upper Hunter 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 8 am 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.