Local government elections will be held on 8 September 2012. Voting at Local Government elections is compulsory in NSW.
At Strathfield Council, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected annually by the Councillors.
The Process
Local Government elections and by-elections are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 by the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) who appoints an independent Returning Officer to each council area.
Voting
Voting is compulsory for all residents of the Strathfield Local Government Area who are registered on the electoral roll. Electors enrolled for Federal and State elections are automatically enrolled for their local Council area.
Note: There is no absentee voting in Local Government elections. If you are unable to vote on election day you can vote by either Pre Poll or Postal.
Applications for postal voting are available to eligible electors at www.votensw.info.
Electoral Roll
The Electoral Roll is prepared and maintained by the Australian Electoral Commission. New residents should complete the electoral enrolment form and forward it to the Electoral Office. Enrolment forms can be obtained from any Australia Post Office. For further information please visit the NSW Electoral Commission.
Claim for Inclusion in the Roll of Non-Residential Owners of Rateable Land or the Roll of Occupiers and Ratepaying Lessees
Claims for enrolment as an owner, ratepaying lessee or occupier of rateable land in Strathfield Council must be received by the General Manager at the Strathfield Council office on or before 6pm Monday 30 July 2012. Lodge a claim by completing the below Non-Resident Roll Form and returning via post to PO BOX 120 Strathfield NSW 2135, delivering to 65 Homebush Road, Strathfield or fax to 9764 1034.
How to become a Councillor
Ever thought of becoming a Councillor? Bring your skills, influence, knowledge and experience and participate in policy decisions on behalf of your municipality.
Councillors come from all walks of life, backgrounds and age groups. They are committed to engaging and connecting to members of their local community and making decisions with the objectives of good governance such as accountability, honesty, integrity, impartiality, equality and transparency.
Who can apply?
Any person who is entitled to vote at council elections is eligible to stand as election as a Councillor. You must be at least 18 years of age and an Australian citizen (or British subject on an Australia roll on 25 January 1984), a resident or ratepayer of the Council’s area or an occupier of rateable land in the Council area, on the electoral roll in the Council’s local area before it closes and not disqualified from standing for office.
How do I apply?
Candidates who want to stand for election must complete a nomination form and pay a fee. Nominations for the 2012 NSW Local Government elections close Wednesday 8 August 2012. For further information, please contact the NSW Electoral Commission
Further information:
NSW Electoral Commission information page
Becoming a Councillor – Division of Local Government
Councillor Guide – Local Government and Shires Association
What women say about Local Government - Australian Local Government Women’s Association
