The resignation of Councillor Troy Arandale from Glen Innes Severn Council has prompted the start of a countback election process — a method used in New South Wales to fill council vacancies without holding a full by-election.
How Does It Work?
When a councillor resigns mid-term, and they were elected via proportional representation, the NSW Electoral Commission can conduct a countback election rather than a fresh vote.
Here’s how the process unfolds:
• The Commission contacts all unelected candidates from the previous council election to determine who is still eligible to fill the vacancy.
• These candidates are invited to submit an application via email within a 10-day application window.
• If no eligible candidates apply, the Commission must proceed to hold a by-election.
• If only one eligible candidate applies, that candidate is declared elected without the need for further voting.
• Sitting councillors are not affected in any way by the countback process.
What Does This Mean for Glen Innes?
In the case of Cr Arandale’s resignation, the Electoral Commission has identified two candidates from the March 2024 council election who are eligible to nominate: Anne Vosper and Elena Weatherall.
Weatherall has publicly stated that she will not be nominating due to other commitments.
That leaves Anne Vosper as the only eligible candidate. If she submits her nomination within the required timeframe, she will be declared elected to Council. However, if Vosper does not nominate, a by-election will need to be held to fill the vacancy.
