Voting commences for Tennant Creek ward in Barkly by-election

The race to fill two seats at the Barkly Regional Council table has officially begun, with voting for the ward covering Tennant Creek underway. Meet the contenders here.

Voting has officially opened in the Barkly Regional Council by-election, with six candidates vying to fill two empty councillor seats.

The by-election is seeking to fill vacancies in the Patta Ward, which covers Tennant Creek and surrounding areas.

It comes after four councillors resigned from their positions in one week last December.

Candidates include Nungarayi Shirley Lewis, Brian (Jappanangka) Coleman, Clarissa Burgen, Elliot McAdam, Sharen Lake and Pennie Cowin.

The NT Electoral Commission has reminded electors that voting in the Patta Ward, which represents Tennant Creek and surrounding areas, by-election was compulsory.

The NT Electoral Commission’s mobile voting team has travelled to Patta Ward communities to conduct voting services from Saturday, April 29 to Saturday, May 6.

Postal vote applications are available for those unable to vote at an in person location, with international application closing at 6pm on Tuesday, May 2, and local applications closing at 6pm on Thursday, May 4.

NT electoral commissioner Iain Loganathan reminded electors that voting in the by-election was compulsory.

“The mobile voting team will be visiting Patta Wards communities from Saturday 29 April to ensure all Patta Ward electors have a say on who represents their ward within the Barkly Regional Council,” he said.

The council has made headlines in recent months after its CEO quit suddenly in March, while its Mayor, Jeff McLaughlin, is currently in the process of fighting a drug driving charge.