Details confirmed for countback election to fill council vacancy

The NSW Electoral Commission is conducting a countback election to fill a councillor vacancy on Narrabri Shire Council.

The process follows the resignation of Cr Amanda Brown, as recently reported by The Courier.

Following the 2024 local government election, council resolved to fill any casual vacancies within 18 months through the countback
method. On Thursday, March 26, applications from eligible candidates (from the 2024 council election) will close.

Applications may only be made by a candidate at the last ordinary election for the council area or ward who was not elected. A candidate must declare they are still eligible to be elected as a councillor. This requires a candidate to be enrolled in the council area at the close of applications.

Eligible candidates will be declared at 10am on Monday, March 30. The count to fill the vacancy will start at 10am on Tuesday, March 31 with results published shortly after.

At last week’s ordinary meeting, council confirmed this process is being managed by the NSW Electoral Commission. As this is a countback election, there is no requirement for people to vote on the day. The preference data from ballot papers from the previous local government ordinary election will be used.