1880 New South Wales colonial election

The 1880 New South Wales colonial election was held between 17 November and 2 December 1880. This election was for all of the 108 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 43 single-member constituencies, 25 2-member constituencies, one 3-member constituency and three 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult white males. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 9 November 1880 by the Governor, Lord Augustus Loftus, on the advice of the Premier, Sir Henry Parkes.[1]

1880 New South Wales colonial election

← 187717 November 1880 –
2 December 1880
1882 →

All 108 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly
54 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
 
LeaderSir Henry ParkesAlexander Stuart
Leader's seatCanterbury (elected for East Sydney)elected to Illawarra

Premier before election

Sir Henry Parkes

Elected Premier

Sir Henry Parkes

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system.

Key dates

DateEvent
9 November 1880The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election.
15 to 25 November 1880Nominations for candidates for the election closed.
17 November to 2 December 1880Polling days.
15 December 1880Opening of new Parliament.

Results

New South Wales colonial election, 17 November – 2 December 1880 [2]
Legislative Assembly
<< 18771882 >>

Enrolled voters
Votes cast178,807Turnout61.94+13.63
Informal votes2,001Informal1.96+0.95
Summary of votes by party
PartyPrimary votes%SwingSeatsChange
Total178,807  108 

References

See also