Voting opportunity has opened across NSW and the NSW Electoral Commission has encouraged voters to take advantage of early voting options ahead of the council elections on Saturday, December 4.

NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt said applications for postal voting were already open and in-person voting began yesterday, Monday, November 22.

“Voters can plan when, where and how they’ll vote using information available on the NSW Electoral Commission website at elections.nsw.gov.au, he said.

“Whether it’s their nearest polling place, candidate information or options for voting early, NSW voters can find everything they need to know at our website with a quick search of their enrolled address.”

Mr Schmidt said that for the first time all voters are eligible to vote in person during the early voting (pre-poll) period and that in another first, iVote internet and telephone voting would be available at local government elections for electors meeting strict eligibility criteria.

“We know COVID-19 has been driving people to consider their voting options. Voter safety is paramount, as is ensuring every eligible voter in NSW has a chance to have their voice heard.

“All polling places will be run in line with COVID-safe election guidelines including mask-wearing and physical distancing.

Voters can bring their own pens and must check in using the Service NSW QR codes, and follow any NSW Health advice.

Applications for postal voting close at 5pm, Monday, November 29 and postal ballot papers must be returned by 6pm, Friday, December 17.

Early voting centres will operate in each local government area from Monday, November 22 until Friday, December 3.

Voters are reminded absentee voting is not available at local government elections, and they must vote in their local government area.

Mr Schmidt said voting was compulsory for all enrolled electors and there are penalties for not voting.

“I encourage all voters to ‘be vote ready’ and consider their options ahead of December 4,” he said.

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