The article discusses the first elections in the colony of New South Wales, which were held between 15 June 1843 and 3 July 1843. The paper highlights important aspects of that election noting that those 'elections (albeit with a very limited franchise) saw the birth of democracy in Australia'.

Sean Darragh, Electoral Regulation Research Network/Democratic Audit of Australia Joint Working Paper Series: 175 years of voting: The 175th Anniversary of the First Parliamentary Election of 1843 (Working paper No 47, August 2018)

Although Aboriginal people were not expressly denied the right to vote in NSW elections, a number of laws, policies and government practices meant that very few Aboriginal people voted until 1962 when the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1962 (Cth) was passed (DOC4568).

Aboriginal peoples' right to vote in NSW

Aboriginal people have faced numerous barriers to voting since the 19th century.

Barriers to Aboriginal people voting 

Since elections began in 1843, only people who are enrolled to vote can be a candidate in NSW. Property requirements and other barriers to voting that Aboriginal people have faced have prevented Aboriginal people from nominating as candidates in NSW elections.

Document

Sean Darragh, Electoral Regulation Research Network/Democratic Audit of Australia Joint Working Paper Series: 175 years of voting: The 175th Anniversary of the First Parliamentary Election of 1843 (Working paper No 47, August 2018)

Aboriginal peoples' right to vote in NSW

Barriers to Aboriginal people voting

Aboriginal people and candidacy

Aboriginal peoples' right to vote in NSW