The state as a whole

Legislative Council Members represent the state as a whole rather than particular electoral districts, and are elected for a term of eight years.

There are 42 members in the Legislative Council, with 21 elected at each election.

The proportional representation voting system is used, which aims to allocate seats in the Legislative Council in proportion to the votes cast.

In Upper House elections, two or more candidates may form a group.

Where there are 15 or candidates in a group, they can request that a group voting square be printed on the ballot paper to be used for above-the-line voting.

A group of 14 or less cannot request a group voting square.

Both local candidates are members of groups with a group voting square.

Ms Wales is in Group C, while Ms Williams is in Group M.

Website, 8 Jan 2011 Electoral Commission NSW