Democracy sausages are back, so here’s what you need to know about voting in this year’s NSW election

It’s time to get your pens ready because the NSW state election is just weeks away. Here’s how you can vote early.

Democracy sausages, pens and colourful flyers representing political parties are set to make their return for the second time in 12 months, as Sydneysiders countdown to March’s state election.

So with just 30 sleeps until polling day, here’s everything NSW voters need to know before heading to the booths.

When is the NSW election?

NSW voters get ready to number those ballot papers because the state election is set to return on Saturday March 25.

Between 8am and 6pm, residents will be expected to line up outside of one of hundreds of polling booths around the state, namely the one in their electorate.

Residents can locate their nearest polling booth via the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Democracy sausages are back, but you have to be enrolled to vote first. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui/NCA NewsWire

Early voting

For those looking to cast their votes early, pre-polling stations open from March 18 and will remain open a week prior to the election except for Sunday March 19 in most districts.

A list of available early polling booths is also available on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

If a resident can’t vote in person at a polling booth, there are some other ways they can cast their vote.

Over the phone

Should a resident need to submit their vote by post, postal voting applications are available online and must be submitted before Monday March 20 to be eligible.

Voting this way is usually limited to those whose “circumstances make it difficult” for them to attend a polling centre on election day.

This includes people with disabilities, the elderly, residents who will be outside NSW during the election, those more than 8 km away from a voting centre and those registered as silent electors.

Those who are interstate or overseas can also vote by post.

An eligibility criteria for those who can vote by post can be found here.

Postal votes will be distributed from March 13, with all postal votes certificates to be completed by 6pm on March 25.

Make sure you’re registered to vote prior to the NSW election on Saturday, March 25. Picture: Tim Hunter/Saturday Telegraph

Telephone and Assisted voting

Telephone assisted voting will also be available from March 20 to election day, however voting line operating hours are yet to be published.

Again, there is an eligibility criteria available for those who would like to vote over the phone.

Election officials can also attend nursing homes, hospitals and similar institutions for the sick and elderly to cast their vote in comfort without having to leave their location.

Online voting, which was largely used in the 2021 council elections during the pandemic, will not be available for this year’s election due to technical issues in the past.

The NSW state election comes less than a year after the Federal election. Picture: Monique Harmer/NCA NewsWire

Who has to vote?

Voting is mandatory for all NSW residents aged 18 and above, however teenagers are allowed to enrol to vote from as young as 16.

Those already enrolled to vote can check whether their details are up to date online.

“Whether you need to enrol for the first time, update your details or just check where you are enrolled, it’s quick and easy to do online,” NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt said.

If you fail to enrol on time, voters can still attend a polling booth on election day however will need to complete a declaration vote.

To do this, you will need to have your photo ID, specifically a NSW drivers licence or a NSW photo card.

Those who just acquired Australian citizenship will need to provide their passport or citizenship certificate number.

Can NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet make a second term? You can decide by voting. Picture: Martin Ollman/NCA NewsWire

What happens if you don’t vote?

If you fail to vote in pre-polling or on election day, you could be slapped with a $55 fine.

Those that have a legitimate reason for why they didn’t vote can contest the fine by informing the NSW electoral commission in writing.

However, those who fail to have a legitimate reason and want to contest the fine, may have to go to court and if found guilty, will face a penalty of $110.

There will be an additional fee of up to $65 if the matter is referred to Revenue NSW.

Some individuals can be excused from the election altogether, however they have to provide a ”brief and honest explanation” to the commission.

“Go to elections.nsw.gov.au and you’ll get all the information you need,” Mr Schmidt said.