Council elections
Frequently asked questions Election news
The most recent NSW Local Government elections took place on Saturday 14 September 2024.
The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) administers the election on behalf of a majority of Councils across NSW.
For more information about the 2024 NSW Local Government Elections, including who ran as a candidate, visit the NSWEC website or call 1300 135 736.
Elections for Tweed Shire Councillors
Tweed Shire Council is governed by 7 Councillors who are elected to represent the shire (there are no wards or divisions). Their details can be found on our Councillors page.
Our Councillors are elected for a 4-year term of office, with the most recent NSW Local Government election held on Saturday 14 September 2024.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor (should council wish to have a Deputy Mayor) are elected by the Councillors in a process managed by Tweed Shire Council. The Mayor is elected at Council's first meeting and serves a 2-year term. The Deputy Mayor position, which Council currently elects for a one-year term, is determined at Council’s discretion.
Frequently asked questions
How and where do I vote?
Voting on the day
Polling stations are conveniently located across the Tweed Shire on election day.
In the leadup to elections, the locations of polling stations are made available on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Voting early (pre-polling)
Tweed residents unable to vote in an upcoming Local Government election on polling day have the option to vote early.
The NSW Electoral Commission, which conducts the election on behalf of councils across NSW, operates pre-polling venues across the Tweed.
Pre-poll voting is only available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible to vote early, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website.
How do I run for Council?
Candidate enrolments for the 2024 Local Government Elections are now closed.
Prospective candidates are advised to closely monitor the NSWEC website and social media channels for updates on the election and information on becoming a councillor.
Non-residential roll
If you live outside the Shire but own rateable property in the Tweed, you are entitled to vote in council elections; however, it is not compulsory to do so.
Eligible occupiers and ratepaying lessees are also entitled to vote in council elections.
Unlike the normal residential roll, the non-residential roll is not maintained by the NSW Electoral Commission, but by individual councils.
For more information about the non-residential roll, please contact us.
Would you like to work at an upcoming election?
Tweed residents who would like to work at an upcoming NSW Local Government election can register their interest through the NSW Electoral Commission, when the event becomes available.
A range of election work opportunities are available, from polling place managers to election officials and declaration vote issuing officers. Work in a polling place on the day of the election or for longer periods in returning offices and pre-poll voting centres.
For more information, including details on pay rates, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Is it compulsory to vote?
Yes, voting is compulsory.
If I’m enrolled to vote in the Tweed, can I submit my vote from anywhere else?
No. Out of area (absent) voting is not available at Local Government Elections in NSW. You must vote in your Council area or use an early/postal voting option.
Can I do a postal vote?
Yes, postal voting is permitted for the NSW Local Government Elections.
It is only available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible for a postal vote, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website.
Will I be fined if I don’t vote?
If you don’t vote in a Council election and you don’t have a valid reason, you will be fined $55 by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Can I vote in the election if I own rateable property in the Tweed but don’t live there?
Is Tweed Shire Council the contact for NSW State Elections?
Council is not the contact for NSW State Elections – it is the NSW Electoral Commission.
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