The 2021 local government elections will be made easier for people wanting to vote ahead of election day, with the NSW Electoral Commission making changes to the eligibility for pre-poll and postal voting.

Election day will be held on Saturday, December 4, but what if you want to vote early and don't know how?

At the Great Lakes Advocate we have gathered information on where, how and what you need to do if you'd like to cast your vote early.

First things first, you'll need to find the nearest pre-poll voting venue near you or alternatively you can choose to vote from home, both options and how to do them are outlined further below.

Secondly residents will have to choose from their preferred councillors for the 11 seats available in the Mid Coast.

It is advised to read up on what different candidates propose to do or have done previously for your local government area.

A reminder that pre-polling for the MidCoast Council local government election will open from Monday, November 22 for residents who will be unable to vote on Saturday, December 4.

Pre-polling will be at:

To find out more on the Mid Coast election venues' locations and details, visit the NSW government elections map page online.

The polling locations will be open to all voters, regardless of their vaccination status. However all voters will need to wear a mask and check in using the Service NSW app.

People will need to bring their own pen for the election, and if feeling unwell will need to stay home.

NSW Electoral Commission staff will also be wearing facemasks and be fully vaccinated. Physical distancing will be enforced at the venues.

How to vote from home

For the 2021 local government elections people can choose to vote from the comforts and safety of their homes through two ways, by using iVote online and operator assisted telephone voting or through postal voting.

Postal Voting

Those wanting to vote via the post will be required to send an application in to the NSW Electoral Commission website at opva.elections.nsw.gov.au - you will need to hurry as applications to vote by post will end on November 29, 5pm.

Applications for postal voting have already opened with the first packs mailed out on November 8.

Completed ballot forms are due Friday, December 17, 6pm.

READ ALSO: iVote and postal vote safer alternatives

iVote online and operator assisted telephone voting

The iVote online and operator assisted telephone voting will open on November 22, with voting closing December 4 at 6pm.

Note - you will need to apply online ahead of voting to use iVote.

To get started with the online application system visit the iVote NSW Electoral Commission website at registration.ivote.nsw.gov.au.

What you will need: To vote online or over the phone you will need either of the following: your passport, driver licence or Medicare card.

READ ALSO: Explainer: How to vote early and safely in the COVID election

Voting in the NSW Local Government elections is compulsory, regardless if your council operates as a ward system or undivided.

Compulsory voting only applies to electors on the residential roll, however electors on the non-residential roll or the roll of occupiers and ratepaying lessees may vote, but aren't required to.

The fee for not voting is $55 and can increase to $65 if referred to Revenue NSW, if you choose to take it to court, it may impose a penalty of $110 plus court costs.

Election Day is December 4. Polls open at 8am and close at 6pm.

You can call 1300 135 736 Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, for any questions or assistance needed in regards to the voting process.

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