Kiama, it’s byelection time. Photo: Destination NSW.
Who doesn’t love another chance to vote?
Whether you’re a democracy tragic or only there for the snags, here’s your cheat sheet to the 2025 Kiama byelection.
Byelections happen whenever a vacancy occurs in the NSW Parliament. This can be because an MP has died, taken absence without leave, been disqualified or expelled from holding their seat, or resigned.
Kiama’s previous MP has resigned after he was found guilty of sexual assault charges and threatened with expulsion from NSW Parliament.
Now, Kiama must choose their new representative on Saturday 13 September.
Being out of town on the 13th doesn’t excuse you from voting.
If you know you will be out of area you can vote early, from Saturday 6 September to Friday 12 September.
If that won’t be possible, apply for a postal vote.
To register for a postal vote this election, head here – it’s also where you need to go if you’ve just turned 18, or recently moved to the area and need to enrol to vote or update your enrolment details.
Candidate nominations will open on Friday 22 August, and close on Thursday 28 August.
Although parties and individuals may announce candidates before time, there’s a whole mess of paperwork that needs to be completed correctly and on time for candidates to be eligible for election.
To check out who has registered for the Kiama 2025 byelection so far, click this link.
So far, all three major parties – Labor, Liberal and the Greens – have announced they will field a candidate, however so far only independent candidates Kate Dezarnaulds and Cameron McPherson, and Shooters and Fishers Party candidate Ian Nelson are registered.
Labor says they will put forward previous contender Katelin McInerney, the Liberal Party has endorsed Serena Copley and the Greens intend to run Dr Tonia Gray.
Don’t pin your hopes to an unregistered candidate, however – as the people of Wollongong and the Shoalhaven learnt in their most recent council elections, a candidate isn’t a candidate until their paperwork has been filed.
Locations for early voting and election day voting have not yet been released, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
They’re often easily identified by the sheer volume of candidate posters and supporters, as well as the tell-tale democracy barbecue.
If you’d prefer to know where you’re going ahead of time, head to the NSW Electoral Commission website and check under the ‘where do I vote’ section closer to when early voting opens on 6 September.
