Council Elections

The next Local Government Election is scheduled to be held on Saturday 14 September 2024.

On 18 May 2022 Council resolved to engage the NSW Electoral Commissioner to administer any elections, polls or referenda for Council at the 2024 Local Government Elections. 

More information can be found on the NSW Electoral Commission Website.  The Office of Local Government also has a range of information on the 2024 Local Government Elections. 

Pre-poll Voting Locations:

Pre-poll voting is available from 7 September 2024 - 13 September 2024 at the following locations:

Bathurst Region Returning Officer's Office
Units 6-7, 11 & 22-24, 1 Wark Parade, Windradyne NSW 2795
Accessibility:
Fully wheelchair accessible
Opening Hours:
Sat 07 Sep - Fri 13 Sep 2024
Mon - Wed: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thu: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Bathurst Girl Guides Hall
1 Charlotte Street, Bathurst NSW 2795
Accessibility:
Assisted access, No designated accessible parking spot, No accessible toilet
Opening Hours:
Sat 07 Sep - Fri 13 Sep 2024
Mon - Wed: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thu: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Kelso Community Hub
24 Bonnor Street, Kelso NSW 2795
Accessibility:
Assisted access, accessible bathrooms, accessible parking on street at front/steep ramp
Opening Hours:
Sat 07 Sep - Fri 13 Sep 2024
Mon - Wed: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thu: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Voting Information for people with a disability or mobility restriction:

Information about accessible voting has been provided by the NSW Electoral Commission. 

Postal voting:

Postal vote applications are  now open for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections. For eligibility criteria and more information visit NSW Electoral Commission Postal Voting

Voting on Election Day - 14 September

Not sure where to vote on election day?  Use the Where do I vote tool on the NSW Electoral Commission website to look up your closest polling booth. 

Election Signage:

The Election Act (section 184) requires that advertising material, including signs and posters, cannot be displayed on or within land or buildings occupied, used by, or under the control or management of the Crown, NSW Government agencies, or a Council. Additionally, advertising on private land or buildings can only be undertaken with the written consent of the owner, or the property is owned or jointly owned by the candidate.

The Act also allows for posters to be displayed:

a) on the outer wall, fence or other boundary of the grounds of an enclosure in which a building used for voting is situated, or
b) within the grounds of an enclosure in which a building used for voting is situated, or
c) on a vehicle on a road or road related area (within the meaning of section 4 (1) of the Road Transport Act 2013), or
d) fixed or attached to a table or stall on a footpath or other public place at any time on the day of voting for an election

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Subdivision 13 (Election signs) of Division 2 of Part 2) establishes standards relating to the sign’s location and display period.

It is Council’s interpretation that election posters cannot therefore be erected/placed:
• on trees;
• on footpath areas; or
• on any structure within a road reserve.

If you have queries regarding the placement of election signage please contact Council's planning department on 6333 6211. 

Candidates: 

Information on candidates for Bathurst Regional Council can be found on the Candidates page of the NSW Electoral Commission website. 

Pre-election candidate information sessions & webinars:

The NSW Electoral Commission is hosting a series of webinars for election participants will also be held in the lead-up to the elections, commencing in May 2024.
Below you will find a list of each candidate webinar topic and date/time:

The NSW Electoral Commission provides a helpdesk for candidates to answer questions in relation to their candidature or election processes. The helpdesk is particularly useful for those candidates in regional and rural areas where the Returning Officer’s office may be some distance from where the candidate lives.

The Candidate helpdesk is operational Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and can be contacted by phone on 1300 022 011 or via email at candidates@elections.nsw.gov.au.

Key Dates: