The NSW Electoral Commission has advised prospective candidates for the upcoming 2024 NSW Local Government elections to start lodging their nominations now.
The nomination process, by which candidates have their name included on ballot papers, has now opened. Candidates must lodge their nomination forms with the NSW Electoral Commission no later than midday on August 14.
Successfully nominated candidates will be published progressively on the NSW Electoral Commission website from Thursday, 8 August. A final list of candidates, in ballot paper order will not be available until after the ballot paper draws on Thursday, 15 August.
Acting NSW Electoral Commissioner Dr Matthew Phillips said late nominations and amendments are not permitted under legislation.
‘This means no changes to nominations or new lodgements can be accepted after 12 noon on Wednesday 14 August,’ Dr Phillips said.
‘Candidates should lodge their nomination early so there’s time for our team to check whether their paperwork is in order. By lodging well before the deadline, there’s time for candidates to correct any errors identified and still meet the nomination requirements.’
‘Support is available to prospective candidates through webinars, drop-in sessions, online resources and FAQs on our website,’ he said.
Dr Phillips emphasised nominations are a separate process from registering as a candidate for electoral funding purposes.
‘Registration for electoral funding does not get a candidate’s name on the ballot paper – only a valid nomination by 12 noon on Wednesday 14 August 2024 does that.’
‘But candidates must still be registered with the NSW Electoral Commission before accepting political donations or making payments for Electoral expenditure.
‘After candidates are nominated on 15 August, all nominated candidates who have not already registered will be deemed registered to accept donations and pay for their campaigns.
‘I encourage anyone with questions about the process of nominating as a candidate in the upcoming elections to visit our website.’
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