Voting Information
The Local Government Elections will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024. Voters will be electing 8 Councillors (two in each ward) and the Mayor. Council has a four ward system for the City: Ward A, Ward B, Ward C, Ward D.
As part of the preparation for the upcoming election, the ward boundaries have been reviewed and as a result minor changes have been made to the boundaries that will come into effect at the 2024 local government election.
Am I eligible to vote?
If you are a resident of the Shellharbour City Local Government Area, you can check if your enrolment details are up to date with the Australian Electoral Commission.
Council does not hold electoral information for local residents. Early voting options, including voting by post, are also available.
How do I enrol to vote or update my details?
If you are eligible to vote you must enrol to vote or you may be fined if you do not enrol or vote in elections.
Register to vote and keep your details up to date online at NSW Electoral Commission.
When do I vote?
The next election for the Council of Shellharbour City Council will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024.
Visit the NSW Electoral Commission website to find out your voting options.
Key dates for residents
Key dates for residents are available at the following NSW Electoral Commission webpage.
What ward am I part of?
Council has a four ward system for the City: Ward A, Ward B, Ward C, Ward D. As part of the preparation for the upcoming election, the ward boundaries have been reviewed and as a result minor changes have been made to the boundaries that will come into effect at the 2024 local government election.
To find out which ward you are part of, please search your enrolment details with the Australian Electoral Commission here.
You can also search for your address in Council’s online mapping system which will display the ward you will reside in as at the date of the election.
You can download a copy of the Shellharbour LGA Ward here.
Can I vote if I am not a resident of Shellharbour City?
Council is required to prepare two non-residential rolls for the Local Government Election on 14 September 2024.
These are the roll of non-resident owners of rateable land and the roll of occupiers and rate paying lessees.
These two rolls combined with the residential roll of electors (prepared by the Australian Electoral Commission) will show the eligible voters for the election in the Shellharbour City Council area on 14 September 2024.
You can find further details on what the non-residential rolls are, who is eligible to be on a non-residential roll and the application forms required to be completed and sent to Council here.
Completed forms must be received by the Chief Executive Officer of Shellharbour City Council by 6:00pm (EST) 5 August 2024.
Non-resident roll nominee application form (for nomination of an elector by joint/several, corporate or trustee owners, occupiers or ratepaying lessees)
Non-residential form roll individual application form (for individual owners, occupiers and ratepaying lessees)
Candidate Information Session
Shellharbour City Council will be hosting a Candidate Information Session for the Local Government Election to be held on Saturday 14 September, 2024
The session will be held on Thursday 25 July from 6.00pm to 7.30pm at the Shellharbour Civic Centre Auditorium, located at 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre. Please reserve your spot here.
This session* will include information about the roles, responsibilities and commitments for the positions of the Mayor and Councillors, information about changes to Ward boundaries as well as details about Council's key projects and priorities.
*This information session is only for those intending to run for Councillor or Mayor.
How do I become a Councillor?
The NSW Electoral Commission’s website contains detailed information on becoming a candidate for the 2024 Local Government Election. This includes the nomination process, candidate/group registration, funding, disclosure and campaign requirements and other matters. This information can be accessed by visiting their website or calling 1300 135 736.
In addition, the Office of Local Government now has a dedicated webpage on its website called ‘Become a Councillor’ and it includes a range of resources for potential candidates to assist to understand what the roles and responsibilities will be as a councillor if elected.
Election Campaign Signage
Council has an Election Campaign Signage Policy that outlines to candidates and political parties Council’s requirements in respect of the placement of election campaign signage within the Shellharbour Local Government Area during the Local Government election.
Candidates should refer to this policy so that they are aware of:
• where signage must not be placed
• obtaining relevant consent
• the appropriate display of signage
• enforcement and compliance action
It should be noted that political advertising on Council owned, controlled or managed land or infrastructure is prohibited.
