Vote counting is continuing in the Tweed Shire Council election after residents cast their votes at the polls on Saturday, with results not expected to be declared until at least Tuesday, 21 December.
A total of 58 candidates contested the Tweed poll, vying for seven Councillor positions.
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 – postal votes to be accepted until 6pm on Friday, 17 December.
More than 290,000 people across NSW applied to the NSWEC for a postal vote before the cut-off date of Monday 29 November.
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 progressive results tally published on the Commission’s website.
Twee Shire 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.”
Following the declaration of the poll, an extraordinary meeting will be held on 11 January 2022 for Councillors to take the oath or affirmation of office and to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
The new Councillors will serve a reduced term of 2 years and 8 months as a result of the 2020 election being rescheduled.
