Counting is underway in the Tweed Shire Council election after residents cast their votes at the polls on Saturday.
Results for the poll are not expected to be declared until at least Tuesday 21 December 2021, with postal votes continuing to be accepted until 6 pm on Friday 17 December.
Under the NSW Electoral Commission’s COVID-safe plan, postal voting was expanded for this election with additional time provided for completed postal votes to be returned. More than 290,000 people across NSW applied to the NSWEC for a postal vote before the cut-off date of Monday 29 November. No new applications will be accepted after that date.
Representatives of the NSW Electoral Commission, which conducted the election on behalf of most councils across the state, will continue their count over coming days, with the published on the Commission’s website.
Council’s Manager Corporate Governance Stephanie Papadopoulos thanked the community for their participation in the democratic process.
“We are pleased the election has been completed and we’re looking forward to working with the newly elected Councillors,” Ms Papadopoulos said.
“This was a complex election to navigate with various hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the election date rescheduled twice and new physical distancing requirements.
“I thank all of the candidates and their supporters for their positive conduct and disciplined campaigns.”
A total of 58 candidates contested the election, with 7 Councillor seats to be filled in the Tweed.
Following the declaration of the poll, an extraordinary meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 January 2022 for Councillors to take the oath or affirmation of office and to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Councillors will participate in an induction program, which has been developed in line with the Office of Local Government Guidelines, to prepare them for the rigours of the role.
The new Councillors will serve a reduced term of 2 years and 8 months as a result of the 2020 election being rescheduled.
