FAQs
For candidates: what is the difference between 'registering' and 'nominating'?
Registrations
A candidate or group must first be registered for the election before accepting political donations or making payments for electoral expenditure. Political donations include funds raised through fundraisers as well as other monetary and non-monetary gifts. Electoral expenditure is any expenditure that promotes or opposes a political party or the election of a candidate or group of candidates, or influences voting at an election.
Being registered as a candidate or group for the upcoming local government elections is a separate process to being nominated to have your name or the group included on the ballot paper.
Registrations for the upcoming local government election on Saturday, 14 September 2024, are now open and will close at 12 noon on Wednesday, 14 August 2024. You can register using Funding and disclosure online.
Nominations
To have your name included on a ballot paper, you must be nominated as a candidate for the election.
Nomination is a separate process to being registered.
To be nominated as a candidate for an election in a local government area or ward, you must be enrolled to vote in the local government area by 6pm Monday, 5 August 2024.
The nomination period commences Monday, 5 August 2024 and ends at 12 noon Wednesday, 14 August 2024.
Is it compulsory to vote?
Voting is compulsory for people who are enrolled to vote in the Murray River Council local government area.
You can make sure that your personal enrolment details are up to date by using the checking tool on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
How can I check my enrolment details?
You can check your personal enrolment details by using the checking tool on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Where can I vote?
Polling stations will be conveniently located across the Council area. To find your nearest polling station, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website closer to the election at elections.nsw.gov.au.
Can I vote early?
Yes, pre-poll voting will open on 7 September 2024 (days and times may vary for each location). It is only available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible to vote early, visit elections.nsw.gov.au.
I won't be in Murray River Council on election day - what do I do?
Out of area (absent) voting is not available at local government elections in NSW. You must vote in your Council area or use an early/postal voting option.
Can I do a postal vote?
Yes, postal voting will open on Tuesday 6 August 2024. It is only available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible for a postal vote visit, elections.nsw.gov.au. Applications for postal votes must be received by the NSW Electoral Commission by 5 pm on the Monday before election day. Completed ballots must be received by 6 pm on the 13th day after election day.
Do I receive a fine if I don't vote?
If you don’t vote in a Council election and you don’t have a valid reason, you will be fined by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Can I vote in the election if I own rateable property in MRC but don’t live there?
You can clam for inclusion on the roll of non-resident owners of ratable land or the roll of occupiers and ratepaying lessees for Murray River Council.
See the 'Non-residential role' tab on the page for more information.