URALLA SHIRE ELECTION 2024
Local government elections are being held across New South Wales on Saturday 14 September. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions:
Why have our Mayor and Councillors already been announced?
Nominations for candidates closed at 12 noon on 05 August 2024.
In Uralla Shire, the number of candidates nominated was equal to the number to be elected, therefore, the NSW Electoral Commission declared candidates as being elected uncontested.
The elected Mayor and Councillors will be sworn in on Tuesday 17 September.
Do I still have to vote?
Yes. Even though our election has already been declared, voters in Uralla Shire will still participate in a referendum.
If you are eligible to vote in New South Wales, you must vote in all elections and referendums.
What is a referendum?
A referendum is when voters are asked to answer 'yes' or 'no' to a particular question/s.
For a referendum to pass, a majority of voters in the council area must have voted in support of the proposal. If the referendum is passed, the result takes effect at the next local government elections, scheduled for 2028.
Voting in a referendum is compulsory and the result is binding on the council.
What are the referendum questions being asked?
This election Uralla Shire voters will be presented with two referendum questions:
- Are you in favour of the Mayor being elected by the Councillors?
- Are you in favour of removing the current ward system so that all electors vote for all Councillors that represent the Uralla Shire Council area?
Voters are required to tick either 'Yes' or 'No' on the ballot paper.
What changes if I vote yes in the referendum?
Question 1: Are you in favour of the Mayor being elected by the Councillors?
If supported, this would mean that from the next council election in 2028, voters would no longer directly elect their mayor. Instead, a mayor would be selected by the nine councillors from among themselves.
Question 2: Are you in favour of removing the current ward system so that all electors vote for all Councillors that represent the Uralla Shire Council area?
If supported, this would abolish our current system of wards from 2028, and voters would instead elect councillors in an undivided council area.
What happens if I don’t vote?
If you do not vote and you don't have a valid reason, the NSW Electoral Commission will send you an apparent failure to vote notice in the post.
The penalty for not voting in New South Wales is a $55 fine.
Where can I vote on election day?
Election Day is Saturday 14th September, polling booths will open at 8am and close at 6pm. Polling booths are located at:
Ward A and B
- Rocky River Public School
- Uralla Memorial Hall
Ward B only
- Bundarra Hall
- Kentucky Hall
- Drummond Memorial Public School (combined voting centre with Armidale Regional Council)
Out of area (absent) voting is not available at local council elections in NSW. You must vote in your local area or use an early voting option.
Can I vote early?
Early voting (pre-poll) is available from Saturday 07 - Friday 13 September at:
Uralla Neighbourhood Centre
27 Salisbury Street, Uralla
Armidale Town Hall
127 Rusden Street, Armidale
Opening Hours:
- Mon - Wed: 8:30am - 5:30pm
- Thu: 8:30am - 8:00pm
- Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm
- Sun: Closed
You can also apply for a postal vote. Postal vote applications are now open by visiting the NSW Electoral Commission website. Applications for postal voting close at 5pm Monday, 9 September.
Didn’t I vote a couple of weeks ago?
Voters in Uralla Shire recently participated in a by-election for the State parliament.
This election will choose who represents you on Council for the next 4 years.
If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or more, you are required to vote in federal, state and local government elections and by-elections. If you do not vote, you may receive a penalty notice.
What if I own property in Uralla Shire but I don’t currently live in the area?
If you are not a resident, you may still be entitled to vote if you own, occupy or lease property in the Uralla Shire area as a corporation, business or individual.
However, non-residential roll applications closed on Monday 5 August 2024.
What if my question isn’t answered here? Where can I find more information?
There is more information available on the NSW Electoral Commission website: elections.nsw.gov.au
Uralla Shire Council’s customer service team are also available to assist by calling: (02) 6778 6300 or by visiting us at 32 Salisbury Street Uralla.
Who has to vote?
If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or more, and live in the Uralla Shire Council area, you must vote in these elections.
If you do not vote, you may receive a penalty notice.
For more information about voting, see the FAQs on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Voting in 2024
VOTING IN 2024
CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM
At a meeting held on 7 February 2024, Councillors resolved to hold a constitutional referendum at the upcoming election, seeking voter direction on the following two questions through a yes or no response:
Are you in favour of the Mayor being elected by the Councillors?
If supported, this would mean that in future, voters would no longer directly elect their mayor. Instead, voters will elect 9 Councillors and the mayor would be selected from within, and by, the nine elected councillors. If supported, the change would come into effect at the next local government election, scheduled for 2028. It does not change the 2024 election process.
Are you in favour of removing the current ward system so that all electors vote for all Councillors that represent the Uralla Shire Council area?
If supported, this would abolish our current system of wards from 2028, and voters would instead elect councillors in an undivided council area. The change would also come into effect at the next local government election scheduled for 2028. It does not change the 2024 election process.
Check and update your enrolment details
If you've moved, turned 18, or changed your name or other personal details since the last election, you should update your voting enrolment details.
Visit the Australian Electoral Commission website to check or update your details.
Information Sessions on How to Become a Councillor
If you're passionate about what happens in your local community, becoming a Councillor is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and to represent the interests of residents.
For more information on how to become a Councillor please see the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Information Session for Prospective Candidates
On Monday 15 July 2024 an information session was held for perspective candidates by Localé Learning. By clicking the link below you will be prompted to enrol in the course and this will give you access to the information session recording plus other candidate resources.
https://www.localelearning.com.au/course/uralla-shire-council-candidate-course-2024
Online candidate training tool
If you're considering standing as a candidate, the Office of Local Government has launched a comprehensive online candidate training tool.
This interactive resource gives you detailed information about running for election and the roles and responsibilities of councils and councillors. It's designed to give election candidates the know-how to launch their election campaign and serve their community to the best of their ability if they are elected.
Being a Councillor: information and guide
Resources for Candidates
A strong representative council is critical to our shared success.
Find out about whether you can be a candidate and what the process is here: Candidates and groups - NSW Electoral Commission
We also recommend attending a monthly Uralla Shire Council Ordinary Council meeting to observe the local government process in action.
To find out more about the 2024 NSW Local Government elections, visit 2024 NSW Local Government elections - NSW Electoral Commission
Being a Councillor: information and guide
Uralla Shire Council Engaged Localé Learning as Consultant
Council has partnered with Localé Learning to ensure that potential candidates have access to information about the election process and what it means to be a Councillor, including responsibilities, time commitments, and the skills and qualities needed to be an effective representative.
Localé Learning provides a suite of resources to aspiring candidates, including a free checklist for candidates, a self-led political skills reflection tool, a podcast series featuring a real-life candidate, a seven-day candidate launchpad challenge, and coaching services.
Candidates (localelearning.com.au)
Women for Election
NSW has fewer female Councillors than any other Australian state. Women for Election Australia provides information and support to encourage more women to run for public office.