CENTRAL Coast residents who are eligible to vote are being encouraged to verify their enrolment with the NSW Electoral Commission by July 31.
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The Central Coast community is set to hit the polls on Saturday, September 9.
Central Coast Council administrator Ian Reynolds said that confirming your enrolment was an important step in making your voice heard on election day.
"The NSW Electoral Commission has a simple verification tool on their website to ensure you are enrolled, and at the correct address," Mr Reynolds said.
Failure to vote can result in a penalty notice and a $55 fine, as dozens of residents in Wyee discovered when they failed to vote in the Lake Macquarie City Council election last September.
"The new Central Coast Local Government Area has been divided into five wards - Gosford West, Gosford East, The Entrance, Wyong and Budgewoi,” Mr Reynolds said.
"Residents will be required to vote within their ward, so taking the time to get to know which ward you are in and the candidates in your ward will help you cast your vote on September 9."
The southern boundary of the Budgewoi Ward takes in Toukley, Gorokan, Kanwal and parts of Woongarrah. The ward extends north through Budgewoi, Halekulani, Buff Point and San Remo up to Doyalson, Mannering Park, Lake Munmorah and Summerland Point to the Lake Macquarie local government border.
Each of the five wards will elect three councillors, making 15 councillors in total.
Nominations to stand for election as a councillor open on Monday, July 31, and close at midday on Wednesday, August 9.
Nominations can be lodged with the returning officer appointed by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Lake Macquarie residents aren’t required to go to the polls on September 9, as that council’s election was held last year.
Local government elections are generally held every four years.
For more information on verifying your enrolment, nominating for council election - including nomination and registration details, voting processes and important dates - visit the NSW Electoral Commission at elections.nsw.gov.au
Alternatively, you can call the 'General Enquiries About Voting' facility of the NSW Electoral Commission on 1300 135 736.
You can also find out more about what is involved in being a councillor by visiting the Office of Local Government's website at olg.nsw.gov.au
