NSW council elections: Who needs to vote, and where can you do it?

YOU just got over the tedious, protracted polling affair that was the federal election, and the voting process is set to be repeated — for some of us.

Some of us are headed back to the polling booths this Saturday for the NSW council elections. Mark Scott/News Corp Australia

JUST when you thought it was safe to let go of the tedious, protracted polling affair that was the federal election, the voting process is set to be repeated — well, for some of us at least.

NSW voters are heading back to the polling booths on Saturday, September 10, for their local council elections.

However, given the controversial council mergers that took place earlier in the year, things are not as straight forward as you may think.

The councils that were involved in a merger, or might be merged, will not be holding an election until next year.

Councils which have not merged, and will not merge, will be holding elections. You can find out whether your council has been merged here.

Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the councils that will be voting so you can nab a sausage sandwich, while saving yourself a $55 fine.

Voting is compulsory in areas where elections are being held. Picture: Mark Scott

COUNCILS HOLDING ELECTIONS

Albury City Council

Ballina Shire Council

Balranald Shire Council

Bega Valley Shire Council

Bellingen Shire Council

Berrigan Shire Council

Blacktown City Council

Bland Shire Council

Blue Mountains City Council

Bogan Shire Council

The Council of the Shire of Bourke

Brewarrina Shire Council

The Council of the City of Broken Hill

Byron Shire Council

Camden Council

Campbelltown City Council

Cessnock City Council

Clarence Valley Council

Cobar Shire Council

Coffs Harbour City Council

Coonamble Shire Council

Cowra Shire Council

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Fairfield City Council

Forbes Shire Council

Gilgandra Shire Council

Glen Innes Severn Council

Goulburn Mulwaree Council

Greater Hume Shire Council

Griffith City Council

Gunnedah Shire Council

Gwydir Shire Council

Hawkesbury City Council

Hay Shire Council

Inverell Shire Council

Junee Shire Council

Kempsey Shire Council

The Council of the Municipality of Kiama

Kyogle Council

Lachlan Shire Council

Lake Macquarie City Council

Leeton Shire Council

Lismore City Council

City of Lithgow Council

Liverpool City Council

Liverpool Plains Shire Council

Lockhart Shire Council

Mid-Western Regional Council

Moree Plains Shire Council

Muswellbrook Shire Council

Nambucca Shire Council

Narrabri Shire Council

Narrandera Shire Council

Narromine Shire Council

Parkes Shire Council

Penrith City Council

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Richmond Valley Council

Shoalhaven City Council

Singleton Council

Sutherland Shire Council

Council of the City of Sydney

Tamworth Regional Council

Temora Shire Council

Tenterfield Shire Council

Upper Hunter Shire Council

Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Uralla Shire Council

The Council of the City of Wagga Wagga

Walcha Council

Walgett Shire Council

Warren Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire Council

Weddin Shire Council

Wentworth Shire Council

Wingecarribee Shire Council

Wollondilly Shire Council

Yass Valley Council

And just confuse things a little more, those on the far north coast of NSW vote on a different day altogether. Tweed Shire Council will hold its election on October 29.

The City of Sydney election will be one to watch with Angela Vithoulkas (from left), Christine Forster, Clover Moore and Linda Scott all running for mayor. Picture: Jonathan Ng

WHERE TO VOTE

Unlike the federal election there is no absentee voting at local council elections. People, this means that, unless you pre-vote, you have to go to your council’s polling places, which include your local hospitals, schools and town halls, on the Saturday.

This link will help you find your council’s specific polling venues.

Note, if you want to forgo your sausage sizzle and pre-vote, you can look up pre-poll venues for your council here.

And if you are not sure which council you are enrolled under? Check your enrolled address here.