2008 Willoughby Council Elections
The NSW Government has set Saturday 13 September 2008 as the date for the local government elections.
Residents in Willoughby will vote for 12 councillor positions and the popularly elected Mayor.
New Ward Boundaries approved by the Electoral Commission for use in the 2008 Elections can be viewed by downloading the map 
Ward Boundaries - 870 KB , or though the Online Mapping application on this website.
Who can vote?
If you are an Australian citizen, aged 18 years and over and a resident, voting in Council elections is compulsory.
You can also vote if you are a non-resident owner of rateable land; or
- An occupier of rateable land who has legally enforceable right to continuous occupation of rateable land (jointly or severally, but not as an owner or ratepaying lessee) for no less than three years from the date on which the claim for enrolment is made; or
- A ratepaying leasee of rateable land who is jointly or severally liable, under a lease in writing or other document of title relating to the land, to pay to any person the whole or any part of any rates that may, during the three years from the date on which the claim for enrolment is made, be made or levied in respect of the land.
To vote as a non-resident, please download and complete the Claim for inclusion as non-resident elector - 31 KB.
Roll of Non-Resident Owners (Occupiers and Ratepaying Lessees)
Council prepares and maintains a non-resident ratepayers' roll for the statutory period associated with the Local Government election.
The opening of the roll must be advertised 60 days before the closing of the roll; ie 6 June 2008 in accordance with Clause 280 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, inviting claims for inclusion on the roll for that election. Applications must be made on the prescribed form Claim for inclusion as non-resident elector - 31 KB and lodged with the General Manager on or before 4 August 2008.
Inclusion on the non-resident ratepayer roll entitles a person to vote in the election, but application must still be made for a pre-poll or postal ballot to exercise that right if not physically voting at a polling booth in the Council area on election day.
Important Dates:
- Opening of the Non-resident Roll: Friday, 6 June 2008
- Close of Rolls: Monday, 4 August 2008
Nominating Candidates
The first stage of electing a new council is calling for nominations. The NSW Electoral Commission appoints a Returning Officer to run the election in each council area. The Returning Officer will place advertisements in the North Shore Times inviting people to nominate for the positions of Councillors or Mayor.
Anyone who is allowed to vote in the council election can stand for election. They must be nominated by at least two other people in the community who live in the ward that the person is nominating for. A person standing for election is called a candidate. In the case of nominations for the Mayor, anyone whose name appears on the roll for Willoughby City can nominate a person to stand as Mayor. Similar to councillors, two people must nominate a person to stand for the role of Mayor.
Becoming a candidate
For more information about becoming a candidate read the Department of Local Government's So you're thinking of becoming a Local Government Councillor. Alternatively visit the Local Government and Shires Association website to order a free copy of their publication Becoming a Councillor.
Prospective candidates and interested members of the public are welcome to attend. In particular, as Willoughby is the City of Diversity, Council is encouraging women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities, all of whom are under represented as elected representatives, to attend.
How to Vote
All residents must vote if they are 18 years or over, are an Australian citizen or have lived in the area for at least three months.
Voting in NSW is compulsory and you may be fined if you do not vote.
People who own property in the area can vote if they live somewhere else, provided they tell the council in advance and apply to the General Manager to be included on the non residential roll.
It is important to note that there is no absentee voting in local government elections.
Pre-Poll Voting
To assist people who will be unable to cast their vote on Saturday 13 September, a pre-poll voting centre will be open two weeks before election day.
Details of the pre-polling centre will be advertised in the lead up to the election.
Postal Voting
Another way to cast your vote before Election Day is by applying for a postal vote. It is necessary to apply to the Returning Officer for a postal vote. Applications will be received up till 5:00pm on Monday 8 September.
Details of postal voting arrangements will be advertised in the lead up to the election.
How to Enrol to Vote
To find out how you can enrol to vote, contact the Australian Electoral Commission on 13 23 26, or pick up an enrolment form from your local post office.
Why Should I Vote
The mayor and Councillors are elected to represent and make policy decisions on behalf of the local community.
By voting you can have your say in who will represent the community and how the local area in managed.
Related events
Meet the Sailors Bay Ward Candidates - Public meeting organised by the Castlecrag Progress Association
When: Wednesday 3 September, 2008 at 7:30pm
Where: Willoughby Public School
More information: contact Castlecrag Progress Association 9958 4516
More information about the local government elections can be found by contacting the NSW Electoral Commission on 13 23 26 or visiting their website – www.elections.nsw.gov.au/local_government_elections.