September’s council elections are tipped to cause chaos when ratepayers in local government areas not being considered for mergers, go to the polls.
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Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore said Maitland council is still waiting to see whether or not Maitland will merge with Dungog. “It’s tough sitting here in limbo. People have to be aware that some councils will go to the polling booths and others, like Maitland and Dungog, will not.”
Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter residents will go to the polls however Port Stephens, Newcastle, Maitland and Dungog constituents will not vote.
The NSW local council elections will be held on Saturday, September 10. Due to the council amalgamation process only 81 NSW councils are having elections. All remaining councils, including those that have been amalgamated, have had their elections deferred until 2017.
The NSW Electoral Commission said this situation has the potential to cause confusion among some electors, particularly those who live or who are enrolled in areas not conducting elections, bordering councils that are.
Electors may turn up to a polling place on election day only to be told they don’t need to vote. Some electors may incorrectly assume they do not need to vote. As voting is compulsory in areas where elections are being held this will result in a penalty notice for not voting.
