Final counts and distribution of preferences commences - 2025 Local Government Elections

To be elected, a candidate must achieve quota:

• For a single vacancy election this is more than 50% of the formal votes counted.
• For a multi vacancy election the quota is determined by a formula based on the number of formal votes and the number of vacancies.

A quota cannot be determined until the number of formal votes is known. 

If a candidate does not achieve quota on first preference votes, a distribution of preferences is required:

• For single vacancy elections this is done manually.
• For multi vacancy elections, ballot papers are manually data entered and verified, then using count software (EasyCount) the distribution is conducted.

All mayoral elections must be finalised before the multi vacancy elections where a candidate is contesting both mayoral and councillor elections.

The results of the distribution of preferences will be available on the NTEC website

The Declaration of Results for the 2025 Local Government Elections is scheduled for 10:00am on Monday, 8 September 2025.

Candidates, media representatives and members of the public are invited to attend the Declaration of Results event.

Those interested in attending may do so via the following option:

• In-Person (Darwin): NT Electoral Commission – Level 3, TCG Centre, 80 Mitchell Street, Darwin
• Online: Join the meeting now