Local Government Elections

In New South Wales, local government elections (or Council elections) are normally held every four years. At these elections, you have the opportunity to vote for local candidates to become Councillors. The elected Councillors then normally serve Bellingen Shire Council for a four-year term.

When is the next election?

The next election will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024.

Voting in the election

Voting is compulsory in Australia and enables you to choose who represents you in federal, state and local governments. You only need to enrol once with the Australian Electoral Commission to vote for all three levels of government.

If you are a resident in the Bellingen Shire Council area, you can check if your enrolment details are up to date with the Australian Electoral Commission.

For information on Enrolment, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website.

The webpage includes information on checking and updating enrolment details, how to enrol, who can enrol, and voter FAQs. 

Key information and dates

Electoral Roll: Information is available through the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Non-residential enrolment for local government elections: Information is available through the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Nominations for candidates: Commence on 5 August 2024 and close at 12 noon on 14 August 2024.

Postal voting: Applications close at 5pm on 9 September 2024. Return of postal votes closes 6pm 27 September 2024.

Pre-poll voting: The Bellingen Shire Council Office (33-39 Hyde Street, Bellingen NSW 2454) is a pre-polling location for the 2024 Local Government Elections. Pre-polling is open from Saturday 7 September 2024 through until Friday 13 September 2024. Pre-poll voting is open only to those who are eligible. Eligibility criteria is available at: elections.nsw.gov.au 

Election day: In person voting open from 8am - 6pm Saturday 14 September 2024.

To find a voting location, click here.

Results: Results will be declared progressively as counts are finalised from 1-3 October 2024.

Further key election dates can be found on the NSW Local Government Elections page.