When is the next Local Government Election?
Local government elections are generally held every two years on the third Saturday in October.
Information about the next election, including key dates and candidate vacancies, will be published on the Shire’s website when available.
Who conducts the election?
The Shire’s local government elections are conducted by the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC).
Who is the Shire's Returning Officer?
The Returning Officer is appointed by the Western Australian Electoral Commission and is responsible for managing the processes associated with the Shire’s election.
The Returning Officer’s contact details will be published before each election.
How many vacancies exist for the next Local Government Election?
The number of vacancies and the length of each term may vary from election to election.
Details of the positions to be filled will be published before nominations open.
What is the Shire's Ward structure?
The Shire is divided into three wards:
- North Ward
- North West Ward
- South Ward
Each ward is represented by two Councillors.
For further information please refer to our Ward Information website page here.
Which of the current Elected Member's terms expire in October 2025?
- Councillor Tricia Duggin (South Ward)
- Councillor Courtney Mazzini (North Ward)
- Councillor Shaye Mack (North Ward)
- Vacant - (North West Ward)
When do nominations for candidates open and close?
Candidate nomination dates are set for each election and will be published on the Shire’s website and the Western Australian Electoral Commission website.
Nominations are generally open for approximately one week and must be submitted before the advertised closing time.
Who can nominate to be a candidate?
A person may be eligible to nominate as a candidate if they are enrolled on the Shire’s electoral roll as:
- a resident; or
- a non-resident owner or occupier of rateable property within the Shire.
Candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements under the Local Government Act 1995 and must not be disqualified from holding office.
Nominees of a body corporate cannot stand for election to Council.
Candidates are required to complete the mandatory online candidate induction before submitting their nomination.
For more information refer to the Information for Candidates page on our website here.
Who is entitled to vote?
You may be entitled to vote if you are enrolled on one of the Shire’s electoral rolls:
Residents Roll
People who live within the Shire and are enrolled on the State Electoral Roll.
Non-Resident Owners and Occupiers Roll
Eligible people who own or occupy rateable property within the Shire but do not live within the district.
For more information, refer to the Information for Electors webpage here.
If I own a property in the Shire but I do not live there, can I still vote in elections?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to enrol on the Non-Resident Owners and Occupiers Roll.
Visit the Non-Resident Owners and Occupiers Roll webpage to check your eligibility and access the relevant eligibility claim form
here.
If I run a business that occupies a property in the Shire, but I do not live in the Shire, can I still vote?
Depending on your circumstances, yes, you can. Read the Non-Resident Owners and Occupiers Roll information on our website here to check that you are eligible and then complete the relevant Eligibility Claim Form.
How do I enrol to vote?
- Residents Roll – you must complete an enrolment form via the Australian Electoral Commission website.
- Non-Resident Owner and Occupiers Roll – you must complete the relevant Eligibility Claim Form and submit this to the Shire.
For more information and access to the necessary links, refer to the Information for Electors page on our website here.
When is the last day I can enrol to vote?
The electoral roll closes before each local government election.
The closing date will be published on the Shire’s website and the Western Australian Electoral Commission website before the election.
Applications for the Non-Resident Owners and Occupiers Roll must be received by the Shire before the advertised deadline.
For more information, refer to the Information for Electors page on our website here.
If I have recently moved house, will I still get my postal voting package?
You should update your address and enrolment details through the Australian Electoral Commission website as soon as possible.
Voting packages are sent to the postal address recorded on the electoral roll at the time the roll closes.
When are ballot papers due to be returned?
Completed ballot papers must be received by 6pm on election day to be included in the count.
Electors should allow enough time for completed ballot papers to be returned by post. Ballot papers may also be returned to the designated ballot box before the deadline.
How can I vote?
The Shire conducts its local government elections by postal voting in conjunction with the Western Australian Electoral Commission.
Voting packages are posted to eligible electors before election day. Each package includes ballot papers and instructions for completing and returning your vote.
A ballot box is also available at the Shire Administration Centre during the election period. The Administration Centre operates as a polling place on election day for the return of completed ballot papers and the issue of replacement voting packages.
Specific voting locations, opening times and deadlines will be published before each election.
What happens if I don't receive my voting package?
Replacement voting papers may be issued during the election period.
Contact the Shire if your voting package has not arrived by the date advised for the election. You may be required to complete an Application for Replacement Postal Voting Papers form in person.
Replacement voting papers may also be available from the Shire’s polling place on election day.
When will I know the result of the election?
The vote count begins after voting closes at 6pm on election day.
Results are generally published on the Western Australian Electoral Commission website once counting has been completed.