The 1848 New South Wales colonial election was held between 29 July and 2 August. No candidates were nominated for Port Phillip as a result of the campaign for independence from New South Wales, and a fresh writ was issued for an election on 3 October.

Results by district

County of Argyle

County of Bathurst

The returning officer gave his casting vote in favour of John Darvall.

County of Camden

Counties of Cook and Westmoreland

The election of James Martin was declared void on the grounds that he was not qualified to stand; however, he was re-elected unopposed. Martin subsequently sued the Speaker of the Legislative Council,

Charles Nicholson Sir Charles Nicholson, 1st Baronet (23 November 1808 – 8 November 1903) was an English-Australian politician, university founder, explorer, pastoralist, antiquarian and philanthropist. The Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney is name ...

and the

Sergeant at Arms Sergeant (abbreviated to Sgt. and capitalized when used as a named person's title) is a rank in many uniformed organizations, principally military and policing forces. The alternative spelling, ''serjeant'', is used in The Rifles and other uni ...

, William Christie, for trespass for having him removed when there had been no decision of the

Electoral Court An election is a formal group decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual or multiple individuals to hold public office. Elections have been the usual mechanism by which modern representative democracy has operate ...

in accordance with the ''Electoral Act'' 1843. The Full Court of the

Supreme Court A supreme court is the highest court within the hierarchy of courts in most legal jurisdictions. Other descriptions for such courts include court of last resort, apex court, and high (or final) court of appeal. Broadly speaking, the decisions of ...

held that under the ''Electoral Act'' 1843 it was only the Electoral Court that could determine there was a vacancy and not the Governor.

County of Cumberland

Two members to be elected

Cumberland Boroughs

County of Durham

On 26 July 1848, the day prescribed for nominations,

Stuart Donaldson Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson (16 December 1812 – 11 January 1867) was the first Premier of the Colony of New South Wales. Early life Donaldson was born in London, England. He entered his father's firm at the age of 15 and was sent first t ...

and

Andrew Lang Andrew Lang (31 March 1844 – 20 July 1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known as a collector of folk and fairy tales. The Andrew Lang lectures at the University ...

were nominated. A show of hands was in favour of Donaldson and Lang demanded a poll. The returning officer had neglected to make any preparations for a poll and so declared Donaldson elected. Donaldson attempted to resign on 16 August. The election was declared void by the court of disputed returns and a new writ issued.

Counties of Gloucester, Macquarie, and Stanley

The writ was not returned in time and the Governor issued a proclamation declaring the election was valid despite the delay.

Counties of Hunter, Brisbane and Bligh

City of Melbourne

Earl Grey, the Colonial Secretary in London, had never set foot in the colony and there was no suggestion he met the property requirement for election. He was nominated and elected as part of the campaign for independence, protesting against government by New South Wales.

Counties of Murray, King and Georgiana

County of Northumberland

Northumberland Boroughs

Town of Parramatta

Port Phillip

Five members to be elected The original polling day was 27 July; however, no candidates were nominated for Port Phillip as a result of the campaign for independence from New South Wales. A further writ was issued on 25 August.

Counties of Roxburgh, Phillip and Wellington

Counties of St Vincent and Auckland