Private companies could be banned from running elections in NSW after reports of three-hour waits to vote at recent council polls.
Premier Chris Minns floated the ban on Friday, suggesting he would introduce changes that outlawed the practice as long delays could disenfranchise voters and potentially threaten democratic principles.
Two councils - Liverpool and Fairfield - used private companies at local elections on Saturday, while the remainder of polls were run by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Mr Minns, who claimed the significant delays were only experienced at polling stations run by private contractors, said it "wasn't good enough".
“It has to be as convenient as possible for a voter to walk into a booth, cast their vote, be part of democracy and get on with their Saturday,” he said.
“It's not acceptable to have a three-hour wait just to cast your vote for a local council election and I think a lot of people would have thrown their arms up in frustration and left if they weren't going to get a fine.”
But Fairfield council staff disputed the premier's stance and said voters experienced no delays.
Using a private provider was as simple as comparing the options and picking the one with the best value for taxpayers, a spokesman told AAP.
"It is completely appropriate and expected, not only by the community but also under procurement guidelines, that councils look for value for money in delivering all its services, including the running of elections," he said.
"There were no reported delays or other issues at Fairfield City Council polling booths and the election has run smoothly ... for the first time, we were able to provide the option for residents to vote pre-poll on a Sunday, with more than 10,000 voters choosing to do so."
The premier did not offer firm plans on when any action against private operators might be taken.
Liverpool City Council was also contacted for comment.
