Organisation : Western Australian Electoral Commission
Facility : October Local Government Elections
Applicable For : 18 years of age or older
State : Western Australia
Country : Australia
Download Time Table : https://www.electionin.org/uploads/2401-PostalElectionTimetable.pdf
Details : https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/
Home Page : https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/
Local Government Elections :
2017 is an election year for local governments throughout Western Australia. Election day is 21 October, although most of these ordinary elections will be conducted as postal ballots.
Related : Electoral Commission NSW : Brewarrina Shire Council By-Election : www.electionin.org/2393.html
While October may seem a long time away, key election decisions need to be made by local governments by August and electoral rolls close on 1 September.
The Commission is currently considering the appointment of returning officers and has begun to meet with known local government clients to discuss their requirements and election arrangements.
All eligible Western Australians are encouraged to take part in their respective local government elections.
Local government ordinary elections are held on the third Saturday in October every two years. The next local government ordinary elections will be held on 21 October 2017.
Councillors are elected for terms of four years in Western Australia. Elections are held every two years for half of the council, and candidates are elected using the first-past-the-post voting system. If a vacancy occurs within a term, an extraordinary election is held.
The Electoral Commissioner is responsible for conducting all local government postal elections in Western Australia and can also conduct voting in person elections on request under the Local Government Act 1995. By making the Electoral Commissioner responsible for these elections, the local governments concerned ensure that elections are conducted independently and with impartiality.
Postal elections for local government were first trialled by four local governments in 1995. This increased to eight in 1997, 34 in 1999, 47 in 2001, 55 in 2003, 50 in 2005, 64 in 2007, 69 in 2009, 74 in 2011, 76 in 2013, and 82 in 2015.
Postal elections are more convenient for many electors and typically result in a higher rate of voter participation than in person ballots.
Information for electors :
Electors who wish to nominate as a candidate in a local government election must complete a valid nomination application and present it to the Returning Officer before nominations close. Nominations for a local government election open 44 days before polling day and close at 4.00 pm, 37 days before polling day.