The 2008 NSW local government election
- 17th August 2008
SEPTEMBER is springtime, and for people from the Coffs Coast and the Northern Rivers – it's also voting time, with the 2008 local government election on Saturday, September 13.
Held on the second Saturday of September every fourth year; the local government election heralds a time of change, and quite possibly – a new representative for your area.
View the election results for the Northern Rivers and Coffs Coast regions.
WHO'S RUNNING FOR COUNCIL IN MY AREA?
* Ballina Shire Council
* Byron Shire Council
* Coffs Harbour City Council
* Kyogle Shire Council
* Lismore City Council
* Richmond Valley Council
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
* Australian citizens
* British citizens who enrolled to vote in Australia on January 25, 1984
* People aged 18 and above – but you can enrol to vote from the age of 17
DO I HAVE TO VOTE?
It's compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over to vote, especially if you've enrolled to vote. If you don't vote – you may end up being fined.
HOW DO I ENROL TO VOTE?
To enrol, simply fill out an enrolment form. These can be picked up from your local post office or an Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) office. When it's been filled out; you can post, fax, email or hand deliver your form to the AEC.
From there, the AEC will send you an enrolment card that features the information you need to show polling officers. If you haven't received any word from the AEC, you should call them on 13 23 26, or send them an email at info@aec.gov.au.
With the local election fast-approaching, you'll have to hurry if you want to have your say.
CAN I CHECK MY DETAILS ON THE ROLL?
Yes, you can by visiting them in person or by checking the details online.
WHAT IF I'VE BEEN REGISTERED TO VOTE IN ONE ELECTORATE, BUT I'VE MOVED TO A DIFFERENT ONE (OR OUT OF STATE)?
Whether you've moved to a different electorate in NSW or have moved interstate, you should re-enrol with the AEC. Simply pick up a form from the post office or an AEC office, and send in your new details.
I'M GOING OVERSEAS – DO I STILL HAVE TO VOTE?
Yes, you do. If you're going overseas for up to 12 months, you need to fill out an overseas notification 
form. This means you won't be fined for missing the election.
If you're planning to go overseas for an indefinite period of time, you'll need to fill out one of the above forms but request to be removed from the electoral register. Should you move back to Australia, you'll have to re-enrol a month after living in your new residence.
OK – I'VE ENROLLED, NOW WHAT?
When you receive confirmation from the AEC, you're ready to vote.
As the election gets closer, there'll be more publicity on the television, the newspaper and of course, online. Keep your eyes posted, and be sure to check where to vote on Saturday, September 13.
The Electoral Commission of NSW has a list here.
On voting day, polling booths are open from 8am-6pm. Ensure you have your electoral roll card with you so the people manning the booths can mark you off. When they do – you'll be given the voting forms with information on how to vote. Check them carefully and always ask for help if you need anything clarified.
WHERE ARE THE POLLING BOOTH LOCATIONS?
* Ballina
* Byron Bay
* Coffs Harbour
* Kyogle
* Lismore
* Richmond Valley
WHAT IF I'M NOT ABLE TO GET TO THE POLLING BOOTH?
You can visit a pre-polling booth. The Electoral Commission's posted a list of venues and times. Alternatively, you can place a postal vote. Simply download a postal vote application form or visit your local council office.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE COUNTING OF VOTES?
We'll keep you informed on the latest results, so stay tuned.
September 13 is an important day and one where we can exercise our right to vote. Think about who you want representing your area, and be sure to make your vote count.
For more detailed information on the finer points of voting, visit the Electoral Commission of NSW website at www.elections.nsw.gov.au.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Election Results - NSW local govt elections 2008
Local council election voting tips
Checking on candidates
'Listeners replacing primates'
Ballina to vote on councillor numbers
