The Independent group, Community First Shoalhaven, lead by councillor Nina Digiglio, was not included in yesterday's ballot draw and did not appear on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

Cr Digiglio said she felt like she had "let the team down" after finding out the electoral registration forms were filled out incorrectly.

"At 10 o'clock last night I got the rejection email about my team," she said.

"I know a lot of our supporters are going to be as upset as I am."

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The process of nominating candidates is different depending on whether the candidate is running with a registered political party or not.

For candidates running in a registered political party, the registered officer or deputy registered officer for that party can nominate them for councillor, provided the party has been registered with the NSW Electoral Commission for 12 months prior to the close of rolls date for the election.

As Digiglio's team was running as Independent, candidates had to be nominated by at least two electors enrolled in the ward the candidate was contesting.

"I nominated myself and Jason (Cox) for ward one, but the people who nominate us have to live in the ward one area," she said.

"The people who nominated us on the form, came from one, two and three. So it needs to be two people from the same ward.

"We did the same thing for ward two and ward three. We just didn't have the number of two candidates from the same ward on the nomination form.

"If you're not part of a political party, the process is so much more challenging. "

Ms Digiglio said she entered the nominations on the day of deadline.

"I did all the paperwork at home, and brought it back the next day, which was the last day to submit it," she said.

"I got the returning officer to check over all the paperwork and they didn't pick up on the mistake either."

Minister for the South Coast and Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, said the chances the group could register now that deadline had passed were slim.

"If the box is closed, it's closed. You do not get in," she said.

"Maybe the Electoral Commission could show some sympathy, but I'm sure the answer will be no."

Cr Digiglio is still running as mayoral candidate.

Included in the Shoalhaven Community First team was Jason Cox, Cassandra O'Carroll, Andrew McLeod, Emma Hood, Tim Bailey, Veronica Rawlinson, Natalie Banks and Tina Roy.

Ms Digiglio said the group is still keen to advocate for the community.

"My team has been absolutely fantastic. They have said they still want to fight for their beliefs and want to make good things happen for the community," she said.

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