The purpose of this Act is to modernise the law governing local elections and polls. You will see changes to make the law more flexible, so it can easily adapt to new technologies and processes. This Act aims to provide uniform rules for things like the timing of local elections and the right to vote. This Act also sets out rules for electoral officers, compiling electoral rolls, and conducting elections and polls. It covers offences, penalties, and disputed elections, as well as electoral expenses and extraordinary vacancies. The Act allows for local decision-making, so different areas can choose their own electoral system and voting method. It also requires regular reviews of representation arrangements for local authorities. The Act implements principles set out in section 4. These principles guide how local elections and polls are conducted. You can expect to see a more modern and flexible law that can adapt to changes in technology and society. This will help ensure that local elections and polls are conducted fairly and efficiently.
"The Local Electoral Act 2001: A Law About Local Elections"
Local Electoral Act 2001
Reprint as at:
2025-04-01
Assent:
2001-05-29
Commencement:
see section 2
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the
Department of Internal Affairs.