With over 1.3 million votes already cast ahead of the 2024 New South Wales Local Government election day, early voting is proving more popular than ever. According to the latest figures from the NSW Electoral Commission, 1,113,740 people have cast their votes at pre-poll stations, while an additional 213,012 postal votes have been returned and scrutinised.
As the clock ticks down to election day on Saturday, 14 September, Acting NSW Electoral Commissioner Dr Matthew Phillips is reminding eligible voters that there is still one final day to cast their vote early. Dr Phillips emphasised the importance of voting within your council area or ward if you are planning to vote in person.
“Voting at NSW local council elections is compulsory. You have until 6pm on Saturday to cast your vote or penalties may apply,” said Dr Phillips.
To help voters locate the nearest polling stations, the Electoral Commission has made an address look-up tool available on its website. Dr Phillips also pointed out that on election day itself, more than 2,100 polling places across NSW will be open from 8am to 6pm, and the same tool can assist voters in finding their nearest polling location.
Dr Phillips highlighted the wide range of support services in place to assist voters, including multilingual officials present at many polling places. “Election officials wearing badges to indicate the language they speak will be available to assist voters. Alternatively, voters can call TIS National and ask them to contact the Electoral Commission for further support,” he said.
In addition, Auslan interpreters will be available on election day, offering further inclusivity for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Voters requiring this service can connect via Skype to speak with interpreters through the NSWelections Auslan channels.
While the window for applying for postal votes has now closed, Dr Phillips urged those who have already applied to ensure their postal votes are completed by 6pm on election day to be counted. The final cut-off for the receipt of postal votes is 6pm on Friday, 27 September.
For voters still finalising their plans, the NSW Electoral Commission website offers comprehensive information about the voting process, including resources in 24 different languages and updated statistics on pre-poll figures and postal vote returns.
As election day approaches, the turnout so far signals strong engagement with the local government process in NSW. Voters are encouraged to make use of the tools and resources available to ensure their voice is heard at the polls.
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