Votes were sent to Sydney during the last council election because a number of candidates ran tickets.

It took close to two weeks for the results to be returned.

However, this time around the decision has been made by the Electoral Commission to count the votes locally regardless of whether or not a candidate’s name is above the line.

Bathurst Regional Council general manager David Sherley has welcomed the move, saying not only will the result be known sooner, but elected councillors will be able to take up their roles that much sooner and get on with the business of running the region.

Mr Sherley said the cost of conducting this year’s election is estimated to be around $200,000, and at this point he is uncertain if counting the votes here will add to that cost or reduce it.

The general manager said he would encourage anyone who is considering running for council to take the time to talk to current councillors or come to him in order to get a realistic picture of what the job entails.

Nine councillors will be elected.

Mr Sherley is expecting around 24 candidates to put their hands up, which is the number of men and women who stood last year. There will be three vacant places, although the six remaining positions on council will also be up for grabs.

Nominations open on Monday and will close at noon on August 8. The ballot will be drawn after 2pm that day.

It costs $125 to nominate. However, if a candidate is elected, or obtains four per cent of the formal vote, this fee will be refunded.

Stuart Evennett, who will act as the returning officer for Bathurst Regional Council, Blayney Shire Council and the Oberon Council, plans to have results known speedily.

“I will probably have two shifts in order to complete the work promptly so we have a quick and accurate result,” he said.