Residents of Uralla Shire Council’s Ward A who are considering standing for council have only a few days left to nominate, with candidate nominations for the upcoming by-election closing at 12 noon on Wednesday, 18 March.
The by-election will be held on Saturday, 18 April, following the passing of councillor Lone Petrov, which created a vacancy on the council.
Nominations are now open through the NSW Electoral Commission and must be lodged before the deadline. Late nominations or amendments cannot be accepted.
Uralla Shire Council is also encouraging prospective candidates to attend an information session at the council chambers on Monday, 16 March from 6pm to 7pm. The session is designed to help potential candidates understand what is involved in serving as a councillor.
Anyone wishing to attend the session must register their interest by emailing council@uralla.nsw.gov.au by 12 noon on Monday.
Unlike the 2024 council election where there were not enough candidates to warrant locals needing to vote, the by-election is being strongly contested, with several candidates already emerging.
The NSW Electoral Commission website currently lists Mark McDiarmid, Madeline Price, Marlene Jacobs, Peter Lee and Susan Armstead as candidates for the by-election. Duncan Fischer has also announced on social media that he intends to run, but his nomination has not yet appeared on the website.
A final list of candidates, including their ballot paper order, will be confirmed following the ballot paper draw on Thursday, 19 March.
Voting in the by-election will be compulsory for voters enrolled in Ward A of Uralla Shire Council as at 6pm on Monday, 9 March. Residents enrolled in Ward B will not be eligible to vote in the by-election.
Postal vote applications are already open for voters who will be unable to attend a polling place on election day. Registered general postal voters will automatically receive their ballot paper in the mail.
Postal vote packs will begin being mailed to electors from Monday, 23 March. Applications for postal voting close at 5pm on Monday, 13 April, and completed postal votes must be filled out and sealed by 6pm on Saturday, 18 April.
Further information about candidate nominations, voting and postal ballots is available through the NSW Electoral Commission.
The by-election comes as the Electoral Commission also begins preparations for the next NSW state election, which is now just one year away. While by-elections are perceived as easier to win and generally do attract more candidates, that so many candidates are nominating for one ward in one of our smallest councils is indicative of a community that’s not happy – which in turn points to a likely highly contested state election as well.
NSW Electoral Commissioner Rachel McCallum said planning was already underway for the 2027 election, including consultation with voters, political participants and other stakeholders.
“One year out from election day, we are focussed on maximising opportunities for voters and other election stakeholders to have their say and feel confident participating in 2027,” she said.
The Commission has launched a new online consultation hub where community members can review research into voter needs and participate in planning for the election.
Among the initiatives being considered is a trial of low-sensory voting centres designed to support neurodiverse voters and others who may find traditional polling places challenging.
Commissioner McCallum said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to reducing barriers to participation in the democratic process.
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