- Local government elections taking place throughout Western Australia in October
- Opportunity for communities to take part in local democracy and vote
- Voters enrolled for the State Election are automatically enrolled for local government elections
Western Australians have the opportunity to make their voices heard and cast a vote in the upcoming local government elections.
Local governments are integral to the everyday lives of Western Australians, developing community cohesion and providing a range of essential services, including roads, recreational facilities and libraries as well as rubbish and recycling collections.
Upcoming ordinary local government elections will take place on Saturday, 18 October.
Most local government elections are conducted by postal vote administered by the WA Electoral Commission (WAEC).
Voters who are enrolled for the State Election are automatically enrolled for local government elections and will receive a ballot pack at their enrolled address.
Through the WAEC, voting packs will start to arrive in mailboxes from today onwards, and the completed ballot needs to be posted back and received by the WAEC by 6pm on 18 October.
Around 12 local governments have chosen to do in-person voting on 18 October, and people in those areas will be notified and need to go to designated polling stations.
This year, the State Government has been running the 'You are the right material' campaign in partnership with the WA Local Government Association, encouraging Western Australians from diverse backgrounds to play an active role in the elections.
Further information on local elections is available at: https://walocalgovernmentelections.au/
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Voting is a powerful way to play a role in shaping the future direction of your community, and it is essential that everyone has their say.
"By voting, you're actively influencing the decisions that are made and deciding who will represent your views around the council table.
"I hope that the dysfunction we have seen in some local councils will encourage people to be more involved in their local councils, research their candidates and make an informed choice at the ballot box.
"I urge Western Australians to make the most of this opportunity and vote for the candidate they feel will best represent their interests on their local council."
