In these regulations –

Act means the Racing Regulation Act 2004 ;

close of nominations means the time and day fixed by the Returning Officer under regulation 6 ;

close of the ballot means the time and day fixed by the Returning Officer under regulation 19 ;

election means an election to elect the elected member or members of a Council;

newspaper means a newspaper that is published daily in, and circulated in each region of, the State;

normal election means an election other than a by-election;

racing year means the 12-month period commencing on 1 August in any year;

Returning Officer , in relation to an election, means the Chief Electoral Officer or other person conducting the election as provided by section 112(1)(a) of the Act.