Polling has opened for the election of a ninth councillor for Cowra, after eight councillors were automatically appointed to the role in September.

The Cowra Uniting Church Hall will be open for early voters until 6pm on Friday, 22 November.

Voting allows residents to directly influence who will represent them at Cowra Council, advocating for the policies and issues that matter most across the Cowra shire. Whether it’s infrastructure improvements, healthcare, education, or local development, the elected representative will play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions that affect Cowra's future, as the ninth councillor, able to split tied votes and contribute in council meetings.

Laura Maclean from the New South Wales Electoral Commission spoke with the Cowra Guardian ahead of polls opening, providing information on the by-election process and protocol.

“A by-election is to fill a vacancy on Council, for example when a councillor resigns. However, this by-election is required to fill one vacancy on Cowra Council, as only 8 candidates nominated for the 9 councillors to be elected at the 2024 Local Government elections in September,” she said.

Ms Maclean explained that numbering at least one box was crucial to having a vote counted. Informal votes, including those without numbering boxes, using an ‘X’ or ‘tick’ or damaging the ballot, may not be counted.

“Voters should follow the instructions on the ballot paper to ensure they fill it out correctly. The upcoming Cowra by-election is to elect one councillor only,” she said. “Voters must place the number 1 in the square next to the candidate of their choice. If they wish to vote for any more candidates, they can place consecutive numbers starting with the number 2 in the square next to those candidates in order of their preference.”

The NSW Electoral Commission has provided a sample ballot to the Cowra Guardian, showing an example of the ballot which will be presented at polling locations up to, and including, Saturday 23 November.

“It is compulsory to vote in Federal, State and Local Government elections. The penalty for not voting in NSW is a $55 fine,” Ms Maclean said. “Enrolling and voting is a right and a responsibility of each Australian citizen.”

Ms Maclean also explained that accessibility supports are available for those who may not be able to attend the church building, including telephone assisted voting for people who are blind or have low vision. Postal vote applications closed on Monday, 18 November, but further supports, including for those in wheelchairs and people who are hard of hearing or deaf, can be requested at the polling place, or by contacting the NSW electoral commission.

More information about the Cowra by-election can be found on the NSW elections event page: https://elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/local-government-elections/2024-cowra-shire-council-by-election