Pre-poll voting opened last Monday (July 18) and closed Friday (July 29) at the Kempsey Anglican Church and the South West Rocks Country Women's Association rooms.

In last year's council elections, pre-poll voting made up 35 per cent of the total formal votes.

Additionally, over a thousand voters cast their ballot through the iVote system which will not be available this year for any State or local government by-elections until March 2023.

The New South Wales Electoral Commissioner made this decision as he is not confident that the new software planned to replace the current iVote system will be ready in time for elections.

"The real issue is that it wasn't working and wasn't working as required by the law and that's why it won't be used," said current Kempsey Mayor Leo Hauville.

Mayor Hauville said he was looking forward to seeing people take to the polls this election day

"People need to take that half hour of their life to make sure they have input into our democracy.

"It really is necessary for everyone to take part and it's also compulsory."

Kempsey residents will be able to chose from 15 polling places to vote this election.

Masks are required to be worn by staff at polling places but are not mandatory for voters.

15 Sherwood Road, Aldavilla

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet.

Access ramp does not meet standards

40 Main Street, Bellbrook

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

Access ramp does not meet standards

Baker Drive, Crescent Head

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

1 Great North Road, Frederickton

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

5 Kinchela Street, Gladstone

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

Access ramp does not meet standards

53 Straight Street, Hat Head

No designated accessible parking spot

Building has lips and/or steps

Access ramp does not meet standards

John Street, Kempsey

No designated accessible parking spot

Building has lips and/or steps

1 Innes Street, East Kempsey

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

Sea Street, West Kempsey

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

River Road, Kundabung

Venue does not meet accessibility requirements for electors with disabilities

Albert Street, South Kempsey

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

Access ramp does not meet standards

15 McIntyre Street, South West Rocks

No designated accessible parking spot

No accessible toilet

Building has lips and/or steps

Access ramp does not meet standards

62-82 Gregory Street, South West Rocks

No designated accessible parking spot

2a Marine Parade, Stuarts Point

No accessible toilet

Access ramp does not meet standards

85 Main Street, Willawarrin

No designated accessible parking spot

Building has lips and/or steps

For more information, please refer to the NSW Electoral Commission website.

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