- New campaign to inform voters about changes to upcoming council elections
- Communications toolkit provided to local governments for distribution in their communities ahead of October polls
- Cook Government electoral reforms will strengthen local democracy
A community awareness campaign is underway to inform voters about upcoming changes that will be in effect for local government elections in October.
The electoral changes are part of the most significant reforms to local government in more than 25 years.
The electoral changes, part of the State Government’s wider package of local government reforms, are designed to strengthen local democracy, and include:
- introduction of Optional Preferential Voting, as used in State and Federal elections, instead of the previous first-past-the-post system;
- direct election of Mayors or Presidents in larger councils – with more ratepayers having a direct choice in electing the leadership of their council;
- all wards in small councils will be abolished – with all electors having the same say in electing councillors; and
- council representation will be made fairer by aligning the size of each council with the population of the local government district.
Optional Preferential Voting means ratepayers will now have the power to vote for as many or as few candidates as they wish, using numbered preferences. This change brings council elections more into line with State and Federal elections.
Many other minor changes, such as increased information about candidates being published on local government websites, will also strengthen the election process.
The new communications toolkit includes factsheets, posters, social media material, a notice to residents, and instructional videos. These materials can be made available on local government websites and their social media channels, delivered directly to ratepayers, and displayed at council venues and facilities.
In addition to the toolkit, an advertising campaign will be launched closer to the October elections encouraging people to vote, as well as to consider nominating as a council member. This campaign will also specifically aim to reach Aboriginal Western Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, younger people, as well as people with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Cook Government’s reform package includes measures to support a diverse range of people who serve on councils, including new parental leave entitlements, and changes to enable local governments to pay superannuation and educational allowances to council members.
More information on the reforms is available on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website.
As stated by Local Government Minister David Michael:
“The Cook Government is delivering reforms to empower all voters at the upcoming local government elections.
“When ratepayers cast their votes in the upcoming council elections, they can now choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as they want. They will still be able to vote for one candidate, but now have the option to number several or all candidates listed on the ballot paper in the order of their preference.
“All ratepayers in larger band 1 and 2 councils will also be able to vote directly for who should be the Mayor or President. While many local governments have already decided to give voters this choice, we are making it much more consistent across the State.
“With the State Government’s reforms now coming into effect, these elections are a landmark opportunity for people to vote to shape the future of their community. I also want to encourage anyone who is thinking of standing for council to nominate for election. It is one of the most rewarding decisions I ever made.”
