While many voters in Port Stephens have already taken advantage of voting options such as pre-poll, postal and online voting, the vast majority will make their way to polling places on Saturday, December 4, where COVID-safe protocols will be in place.

Two election postponements have meant that newly elected councillors will only serve less than three-year terms instead of the traditional four years.

Of the 10 current Port Stephens councillors spread across the three wards, only half will be recontesting their seats as lead candidates.

Councillors John Nell, Ken Jordan and Sarah Smith did not nominate, Paul Le Mottee was forced to withdraw because of an error on his application form, while Jaimie Abbott has opted to stand as number two in her east ward grouping.

In a written statement, Cr Le Mottee says he would no longer be pursuing legal action over his forced dismissal.

"Having sought legal advice regarding the preposterous manner in which the Electoral Commissioner oversaw the recent nomination process for council elections throughout NSW that saw many nominations rejected, including mine, it now seems that the only option available to me is allow the election to proceed without my candidacy and subsequently contest the result of the election in the courts," he said.

"Given that it is an unusually short term of council owing to the election having been delayed twice by COVID, I will not contest the result in the courts and provide a degree of certainty to candidates and voters alike.

"I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from councillors, council staff and the general public. It has left me in no doubt that my work as a councillor was good quality and greatly appreciated by an enormous amount of people."

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His withdrawal opens the door for any of a number of west ward Independents, which include former councillor Peter Kafer, Cr Le Mottee's daughter Danielle and community advocates Chris Baguley and Andrew Cole, vying for spots along with the Labor team led by incumbent Giacomo Arnott.

Voters in the central ward will be presented with what is shaping to be a close battle featuring councillors Steve Tucker and Chris Doohan, a new-look Labor team (headed by Jason Wells), Greens candidate Caitlin Spiller and Independent Bill Doran.

Interestingly, only three groups have nominated for the usually hotly contested east ward and they include Ms Abbott's partner Matt Bailey (Liberal) along with mayoral candidates Ryan Palmer and first timer Leah Anderson and their respective teams.

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In their past professional careers both Palmer and Anderson boast a financial background and have served as business chamber presidents in Nelson Bay, but that seems to be where their similarities end.

Cr Palmer has been campaigning on a five-point plan of connection, active, community, environment and prosperity, adding that "good planning and working together are the keys leading to a successful council term".

Ms Anderson, on the other hand, has promised to lead a council focusing on community consultation, transparency and accountability.

"I will always ensure that feedback from the community is listened to and acted upon."

Aside from some complaints about the illegal placing, and defacing, of a selection of signs, the pre-election campaign has been a relatively quiet affair to date, while a series of 'Meet the Candidates' forums have been well attended by both constituents and election hopefuls.

Fran Corner, who attended both the Tilligerry (as convenor) and Karuah (as onlooker) forums, said that government funding streams, proposed rate rises, footpaths, and the environment (including street trees and wildlife corridors) were prominent issues for ratepayers.

"The Karuah meeting was attended by a younger audience and tended to have a youth theme, but overall most people wanted to talk about the environment, funding [for roads and such] and public consultation."

The east ward's seminar hosted by the Tomaree Ratepayers & Residents Association focused, according to convenor Ben van der Wijngaart, on building height limits in the CBD; public feeling about transparency, access and accountability; and the unattractiveness of the 'gateway' to Nelson Bay.

All registered voters in Port Stephens are required to vote in the local government election. This is to elect nine new councillors - three each in the Port's three council wards - and a mayor.

Early voting is open until Friday, December 3.

There are two places in Port Stephens where residents can vote in person early: at the returning office at 42 William Street, Raymond Terrace and All Saints Anglican Church, Nelson Bay. Both are open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm.

Election day, when all registered voters are required to cast their ballot to elect a mayor and three councillors in the ward in which they live (east, central or west), will be held on Saturday, December 4.

Voting will be available at select public schools and community halls around Port Stephens on December 4 between 8am and 6pm.

Results in all NSW local government elections will be delivered progressively between December 21-23.

Grouped candidates for Central Ward

Ungrouped candidates for Central Ward

Grouped candidates for West Ward

Ungrouped candidates for West Ward

Grouped candidates for East Ward

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