If you have heard the term “countback election” mentioned recently and felt a bit confused, you are not alone.
Following the resignation of Councillor Allison Bryant (formerly Whaites), Clarence Valley Council will fill the vacant seat using a countback election, a standard process under NSW local government rules. Importantly, this does not mean residents are heading back to the polls.
The countback will be conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission, using votes already cast at the 2024 Clarence Valley Council election.
What is a countback election?
A countback election looks at the original ballot papers from the last council election and redistributes preferences to determine who should fill the vacant seat. Only candidates who ran in that election and were not elected are eligible to be considered.
This method is designed to reflect the original will of voters, while avoiding the cost and disruption of a full by-election.
Do residents need to vote again?
No. There is no new vote and no action required from Clarence Valley residents.
The process happens entirely behind the scenes, with the NSW Electoral Commission overseeing the count and declaring the result.
Key dates to be aware of
While the public does not need to participate, the official timeline is as follows:
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12 January 2026 – Candidate applications open
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22 January 2026 (12pm) – Candidate applications and electoral roll close
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27 January 2026 – Eligible candidates confirmed
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28 January 2026 – Countback conducted and results announced
If only one eligible candidate remains after nominations close, that candidate will be declared elected without a formal count.
Why this process is being used
Clarence Valley Council resolved at its first meeting after the 2024 election that any casual vacancies occurring within the first 18 months of the term would be filled by countback.
This approach is common across NSW councils and ensures continuity, stability, and representation without the need for another election so soon after the last one.
What happens next
Once the countback is completed, the successful candidate will be formally declared and will take their place on Clarence Valley Council, restoring council to its full complement of councillors.
We will continue to follow the process and share updates as they are confirmed by the NSW Electoral Commission.
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