Everything you need to know about NSW council elections December 4

Hundreds of thousands of ballots have been counted overnight, following the Local Government elections on Saturday.  See the breakdown of votes across NSW here. 

Millions of people across 126 local government areas spanning the entire state will head to the polls in a “Covid-safe” election day on Saturday — after the NSW Government was forced to delay council elections twice due to Covid-19.

In September, Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock announced the delay of the compulsory council elections due to the widespread threat of the Delta variant.

Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Ratepayers in a total of 35 council areas will have the opportunity to elect their mayor and councillors for the next two and a half year term in popularly-elected areas, while other local government areas will vote for councillor who will then elect a mayor to lead the team.

124 councils will use the NSW Electoral Commission’s services on election day, while Penrith and Fairfield have hired a private company.

Four council areas — Balranald, Central Darling, Central Coast and Wingecarribee — will not have elections.

Polling booths will be open from 8am to 6pm on December 4. Photo Inge Hansen.

ROLLING COVERAGE

Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of Local Government Election Day across NSW. NewsLocal has reporters in council areas across the state, bringing you the latest updates from polling booths in your community.