The Speaker of the House of Representatives has announced that the by-election for Farrer - a large rural electorate in NSW's southwest - will be held on Saturday 9 May 2026.
In announcing the date of the by-election, the Speaker has provided a full timetable for the election with a writ (the formal instructions for the AEC to run the by-election) to be issued on Wednesday 1 April.
Farrer covers an area of approximately 126,000 km sq and includes the council areas of Albury, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume, Griffith City, Hay, Leeton, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera and Wentworth.
The AEC's NSW State Manager, Rebecca Main said the by-election follows the recent resignation of the former member for Farrer who was re-elected at the 2025 federal election and has held the seat since 2001.
"A by-election occurs where there is a vacancy in the House of Representatives and it means that the local community for Farrer will be able to continue to have federal representation," Ms Main said.
"If you live in the electorate of Farrer, have recently moved to the area or are a local resident who has turned 18, then you should check your enrolment details at aec.gov.au now."
Enrolling and voting in a federal by-election is compulsory, just as it is for a full federal election. You can enrol , check or update your enrolment details on the AEC website.
"Enrolment closes for the by-election at 8pm on Wednesday 8 April 2026."
Postal voting is available for the by-election and applications are now available on the AEC website. The AEC cannot send your postal vote pack until the ballot papers have been printed. Printing will occur after the Declaration of Nominations (Tuesday 14 April 2026). The Declaration of Nominations determines the order candidates will appear on the ballot paper.
AEC TV videos: Farrer by-election announced & What is a by-election
Looking for some extra money?
The AEC is recruiting hundreds of people to work at the Farrer by-election.
Most positions are for a single day but some stretch over a few weeks. The AEC will primarily be looking for people to be polling officials - to mark people off the electoral roll, be queue controllers, guard ballot boxes, and issue and count votes.
For more information or to register your interest go to the AEC website .
