Council Elections
Local Government ordinary elections are held every two years on the third Saturday in October. Councillors are elected for four-year terms, with half of the Councillors terms concluding at each biennial election. The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) conducts the Shire’s ordinary elections. Every elector of the district, over 18 years of age, is eligible to vote.
2023 Elections
The 2023 elections will be held on Saturday 21 October 2023. In accordance with previous years, the Council has appointed the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) to run its election. The WAEC appoints a Returning Officer who oversees the election, including taking candidate nominations and supervising the count on election night.
Counting of ballots will be conducted in the Shire Administration Building, from approximately 6pm on election night.
Enrolling to Vote
Eligible electors are residents of the Shire who are able to vote in Commonwealth elections and are listed on the State and Commonwealth electoral rolls. If you are enrolled on the State Electoral Roll, you are automatically enrolled on the corresponding Local Government Roll. To check your enrolment, visit the Electoral Commission Website. Enrolments and changes to enrolments close 57 days prior to polling day.
- Non-Resident Owners and Occupiers
Eligible electors can also be non-resident property owners or occupiers who are eligible to vote in State elections and are listed on the State or Commonwealth Electoral Roll. If you are a non-resident and wish to vote, you must complete an Election Eligibility Claim Form and return it to the Shire no later than 57 days prior to polling day.
Optional Preferential Voting
Preferential voting is the same method used in state and federal elections. Optional preferential voting means you are not required to provide all preferences in casting your vote.
Nominating as a Candidate
Councillors are elected representatives of the community who work together as an elected body to make decisions that shape the future of our Shire. They should represent the interests of their electors, ratepayers and residents.
Becoming a councillor is a big decision with many obligations and commitments. To help candidates understand what their role as Councillor will be if they are successful, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries provides valuable information on their website.
A prospective candidate webinar, with presentations from the Western Australian Local Government Association, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and the WA Electoral Commission is also available Prospective Candidate Briefing.
To view our Candidate Profiles click here.
Voting in Local Government Elections
Voting packages will be mailed to all eligible electors on the local government electoral roll in the week commencing 15 September. Packages include a list of candidates, ballot papers, instructions on how to vote, a declaration and a reply paid envelope.
Further information can be found by visiting the Electoral Commission Website.