1877 New South Wales colonial election
# 1877 New South Wales colonial election

The 1877 New South Wales colonial election was held between 24 October and 12 November 1877. This election was for all of the 73 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 53 single-member constituencies, six 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult male British subjects, resident in New South Wales. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 12 October 1877 by the Governor, Sir Hercules Robinson, on the advice of the Premier, Sir John Robertson.

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system. Although the leaders of the main groupings at this election were Robertson and Sir Henry Parkes, the subsequent government was formed by James Farnell as a compromise Premier. Farnell's government lasted a year and two days.

## Key dates

| Date | Event |
| - | - |
| 12 October 1877 | The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election. |
| 22 October to 5 November 1877 | Nominations for candidates for the election closed. |
| 24 October to 12 November 1877 | Polling days. |
| 27 November 1877 | Opening of new Parliament. |

## Results

New South Wales colonial election, 24 October – 12 November 1877  Legislative Assembly

<< 1874–75–1880 >> :

| Enrolled voters | Enrolled voters | | | | | |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Votes cast | Votes cast | 98,503 | | Turnout | 48.31 | +1.10 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | 680 | | Informal | 1.01 | −0.19 |
| Summary of votes by party |||||||
| Party | Party | Primary votes | % | Swing | Seats | Change |
| Total | Total | 98,503 | | | 73 | |
