This media alert is to update interested media on vote counting arrangements over the coming days. Members of the media are welcome to film counting at our central count centre at 30 Beaufort Street Northbridge between 8.30 a.m. and 9.00 p.m.
The Commission does not conduct interviews on the likely outcomes in different districts or regions; this is a matter for election commentators. However, each day the latest results will be posted progressively to the election website www.elections.wa.gov.au
Legislative Assembly
The Commission is continuing to count all categories of votes (early and postal) with priority being given to close districts. Once all votes have been counted a full distribution of preferences will be conducted at the central count centre (with the exception of the districts of Geraldton, Kimberley and Central Wheatbelt where the count will be conducted locally).
The Commission is hoping to commence the distribution of preferences this weekend but the timing obviously depends on progress of the current count taking into account the large number of postal votes, which can be received up until 9.00 a.m. on Thursday.
Legislative Council
At present the Commission is continuing to count ballot papers where electors have voted above the line. Data entry of below the line votes will commence at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday (once sufficient numbers have been checked and counted into batches) and will continue until around Wednesday of next week.
ENDS
Authorised by the Electoral Commissioner 14 March 2017