Countback election details confirmed for councillor vacancy

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

The process follows the resignation of Cr Joshua Roberts-Garnsey.

Following last year’s local government election, council resolved to fill any casual vacancies within a particular timeframe through the countback method.

On Thursday, August 28, applications from eligible candidates (from last year’s 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 10.30am on Monday, September 1. The count to fill the vacancy will start at 11am on Tuesday, September 2 with results published shortly after.

In an update, council said 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.