Timetable
The Northern Territory Local Government general election timetable is determined by the Local Government Act 2019 and Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2021 which specifies:
- Notice inviting nominations: At least 43 days before election day
- Close of electoral roll: Thirty-two days before election day at 5:00 pm
- Close of nominations: Twenty-three days before election day at 12:00 noon
- Election day: Fourth Saturday in August every 4 years
Notice inviting nominations
The Electoral Commissioner is the returning officer for local government elections in the Northern Territory. The commissioner must invite nominations from candidates at least 43 days before election day. A public notice inviting nominations is placed in newspapers and on the website.
Close of electoral roll
The electoral roll is closed at 5:00 pm, thirty-two days before election day. You must enrol at your current residential address so you can vote for the candidates in your local government area.
Please note you can still update your address details after the close of roll; however, you will be 'captured' on the roll for your previous address and you must provide this address when voting. Updating your details after the close of roll for an election ensures your details are correct for future events.
Close of nominations
Candidates standing in local government elections must lodge a completed nomination form after the call for nominations and before the close of nominations at 12:00 noon, 23 days before election day. The public declaration of nominations and draw for positions on the ballot paper takes place soon after nomination close.
Election timetable
| Event | Time | Local Government Electoral Regulations (LGER) and |
|---|---|---|
| Notice inviting nominations | At least 43 days before election day | LGER r 6 |
| Close of electoral roll | 5:00 pm, 32nd day before election day | LGER r 11 |
| Close of nominations | 12:00 noon, 23rd day before election day | LGER r 3 |
Declaration of nominations Draw for positions on ballot papers | At the appropriate time: meaning, 3:00 pm on the day following nomination day or not earlier than 12:00 noon on nomination day and not later than 6:00 pm third day after nomination day | LGER r 10 |
| Postal vote mail-out commences | As soon as practicable after the order of candidate names on the ballot paper is determined | LGER r 28(4) |
| Early voting commences | Fixed by the returning officer | LGER r 4 |
| Mobile voting commences | Fixed by the returning officer | LGER r 4 |
| Overseas postal voting dispatches cease | Fourth day before election day | LGER r 28(5)(a) |
| All postal voting dispatches cease | Second day before election day | LGER r 28(5)(b) |
| Early voting ceases | The day before election day | LGER r 4 |
Election day | Day fixed under the Act for an election Voting between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm Mobile voting ceases (no later than 6:00 pm) | LGA ss 84(2), 85 LGER r 4, r 49 LGER r 4, r 49 |
| Deadline for receipt of postal votes | 12:00 noon, 13th day after election day | LGER r 58(1), r 65 |
Final count of postal votes Distribution of preferences | As soon as practicable after the close of voting for an electorate | LGER r 66 |
| Declaration of election results | As soon as practicable after the results of an election have been determined | LGER r 71 |
| Application disputing an election | To be filed within 21 days after the conclusion of the election | LGA s 91 |