Wards A - Countback Election July 2025

Cessnock City Council has accepted the resignation of Jay Suvaal as Councillor for Ward A. Accordingly, a countback election, conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission, is required to fill the vacant position.

A countback election does not affect sitting councillors and is limited to candidates who were unsuccessful in the original election. However, eligible candidates must formally apply to participate. Only those who apply can be considered for election.

Council has initiated the countback process by notifying the NSW Electoral Commission of the vacancy. The outcome is expected to be finalised within seven weeks of this notification. The Council-specific Notice of Casual Vacancy is now live, and both the notice and the candidate application form are available on the NSW Electoral Commission website: 2025 Cessnock City Council (Ward A) Countback Election.

Residents are not required to vote again in a countback election.

Further information about the countback process is available on the NSW Electoral Commission website: NSW Electoral Commission – Countback Elections.