How votes are counted in the September 9 election
11 August 2017
Orange Council election draws closer
Preparations are well under way for next month’s local council elections in Orange on September 9.
Nominations for candidates closed on August 8, and the draw to determine the order of candidates on the ballot papers has been held.
On election-day there will be two separate ballot papers: one to elect the mayor, and one to elect the remaining eleven council members.
The ballot papers show :
10 candidates are standing for the mayoral election
88 candidates are standing for the election to fill the remaining eleven places on the council
The list of candidates can be found from links on this page.
https://candidates.elections.nsw.gov.au/
This publication is a brief summary of the key points about local government council elections.
How are the votes counted:
The two ballot papers are counted separately, and the results are determined according to two different voting systems.
The mayoral election uses the Optional Preferential system. This means people must place a ’1’ next to name of their preferred candidate. They then have the option of placing further numbers in other squares.
This animation was prepared by the NSW Electoral Commission to explain how the Optional Preferential system is used for the NSW Legislative Assembly election. The same animation provides a general explanation of how votes are counted in the mayoral election. (Click on the Flash Player icon to start the animation)
The general council election uses the Proportional Representation system. This means that voters can choose to vote ‘above the line’ or ‘below the line’.
To vote for a group, vote ABOVE the thick line:
You must put a number 1 next to your first choice.
If you want, you can choose more groups, starting with the number 2.
OR
To vote for individual candidates, vote BELOW the thick line:
You must show choices for at least half the number of councillors to be elected.
If you want you can show more choices.
This animation was prepared by the Electoral Commission to explain the Proportional Representation system used for the NSW Legislative Council election. The same animation provides a general explanation of how votes are counted in the council election. (Click on the Flash Player icon to start the animation) http://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/about_elections/community_education_resources/animations/animation_how_votes_are_counted_for_the_nsw_legislative_council
The Electoral Commission makes these guidelines available for candidates and groups who are preparing their how-to-vote guides.
http://www.votensw.info/political_participants/guide_to_preparing_electoral_material
Consultation has concluded
