A recount request has been received by the Electoral Commission for Kiama's Councillor election.
After yesterday's announcement of the results, there was a 24-hour window for anyone to object and demand a recount.
Any request for a recount must:
- be in writing, and
- be signed by the candidate, and
- set out the reasons for the request, and
- be lodged with the Returning Officer within 24 hours of the results being published on the NSW Electoral Commission's results website.
The recount request is being considered by the Electoral Commissioner. The declaration of results by the returning officer will be delayed until a decision is made by the Electoral Commissioner whether a recount is granted.
According to the Electoral Commission:
- A candidate who is granted a recount is not required to cover the cost of the recount.
- Where a recount is requested and subsequently approved by the Electoral Commissioner, the declaration of the results will be delayed until the completion of the recount.
- The Electoral Commissioner will determine how any recount is conducted. For example, depending on the circumstances in which a recount is required, the Commissioner may determine that all or only some of the ballot papers are to be recounted.
Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud said while she is hopeful a decision on the recount is made soon, she understands that, if agreed, a result may take some time, and may even extend beyond Christmas.
"Recount requests are part of the democratic process, and I can appreciate when the margins are narrow, why a recount is requested. We're looking forward to welcoming all our new Councillors in the new year, regardless of the recount result. We will keep the community and Councillor candidates updated as we hear more from the Electoral Commission."
"Our swearing-in date is set down for the 11 January 2022, and we will meet this timeframe. While we wait for this decision to be made and for any potential official recount to be complete, we will hold off on issuing our welcoming letter and induction packs to the our candidates until we know the results for certain," said Ms Stroud.
