Local Government elections will proceed in September despite the possibility of Greater Sydney’s lockdown continuing or expanding to other areas of New South Wales.
Councils are gearing up to help guarantee voters have their say while staying COVID-safe.
LGNSW President Linda Scott said changes to State Government regulations announced on Friday (July 9) would help support those efforts, with voters able to access an online iVote option, as well as postal or in-person options.
“Resident safety remains the number one priority for councils, and I am confident we can meet this priority and still hold fair and transparent elections.
“The new rules focus on ensuring COVID-safe voting, which gives every eligible member of the community an opportunity to elect the council of their choice.”
The updated electoral regulations allow for an online iVote option under similar circumstances to postal voting, broadening of pre-poll eligibility to all electors and an expansion of postal voting eligibility.
Cr Scott said it was crucial people know all the voting options available to them, as voting in local government elections in NSW is compulsory under State legislation.
“Council elections are a celebration of democracy at a grassroots level and I am pleased the new electoral provisions released by the State Government this week recognise and support that process.”
The amendments also provide scope for restrictions on campaign posters and handing out electoral materials where these restrictions are necessary for public health reasons.
