Pre-poll in the upcoming council election opens on Monday, with voters encouraged to vote early this year due to COVID-19.
All voters are now eligible to vote before election day due to the pandemic, there is also expanded eligibility for postal voting and technology-assisted online and telephone voting platform iVote will be available for the first time to voters who meet eligibility criteria.
"Voter safety is paramount, as is ensuring every eligible elector in NSW has a chance to have their voice heard," NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt said.
"For the first time all voters are eligible to vote in person at any time during the two-week voting period when a polling place is open."
Voters are also encouraged to bring their own pen to vote as the pens provided will be single-use to adhere to the public health order.
In Newcastle, people can vote early at Adamstown Combined Pensioners Association, Lambton Pre-Poll, Mayfield Presbyterian Church Hall, Newcastle Returning Officer's Office and Wallsend Library (Multi-function Room).
Pre-poll locations in Lake Macquarie are Belmont Scout Hall, Swansea Centre Meeting Rooms, Pasterfield Sports Complex Cameron Park, Speers Point Masonic Hall, Charlestown Library Meeting Room, Cooranbong Community Centre and Toronto Library Meeting Rooms.
The election will be held on December 4. For more information about voting, visit elections.nsw.gov.au.
