Displaying Election Signage

Election signs are regulated under the Election Act 2017 and State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.

The Election Act (section 184) requires that advertising material, including signs and posters, cannot be displayed on or within land or buildings occupied, used by, or under the control or management of the Crown, NSW Government agencies, or a Council. Additionally, advertising on private land or buildings can only be undertaken with the written consent of the owner, or the property is owned or jointly owned by the candidate.

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Subdivision 13 (Election signs) of Division 2 of Part 2) specifies that election signs must:

• not be more than the following in area –

1. for a sign on land in a rural zone—3.75m²,
2. not be more than 0.8m² in area, and

• if on the site of a heritage item or draft heritage item—not be attached to a building, and

• be displayed by or on behalf of a candidate at an election referred to in clause 2.106 or the party (if any) of any such candidate, and
• be displayed in accordance with any relevant requirements of the Act under which the election is held, and
• be displayed only during the following periods—

1. 8 weeks immediately preceding the day on which the election is held,
2. the day on which the election is held,
3. 1 week immediately following the day on which the election is held.