The Commission aims to provide a high quality service that meets the needs of our stakeholders. We respect your right to complain if you are not happy with the products or services we provide, or the way in which they are provided. We also welcome suggestions on how we may improve our services and appreciate any other feedback you have to offer.
Electoral Complaints
Many candidates lose time during an election by becoming involved in a complaints process where there has been no breach of electoral law.
Elections in Western Australia allow for robust debate and expression of opinion. When an elector places their vote, they should be able to consider all material before them, and importantly, who authorised it, when considering how to vote.
Lodging a Complaint
If there has been a suspected breach in electoral law, complaints should be addressed to the Commission, in writing and with supporting evidence. Complaints should be addressed to the Electoral Commissioner via:
Email: complaints@waec.wa.gov.au
Post: Western Australian Electoral Commission
GPO Box F316
PERTH WA 6841
Fax: (08) 9226 0577
Download feedback form (PDF, 20kB)
Complaints process
On receipt of a complaint it will be recorded and examined by Commission staff. You may be required to give further information. If this is the case, you will be contacted.
If, after consideration, it is deemed that the complaint warrants further investigation, the Electoral Commissioner will contact the person who is the subject of the complaint advising them of the nature of the complaint that has been made against them. This provides the opportunity for the person to rectify or explain the situation. In certain circumstances the Electoral Commissioner may need to divulge who made the complaint.
The Commission will not discuss complaints not already in the public domain with the media as this would be an infringement of an individual’s privacy. The Commission will not allow itself to be caught in situations where it becomes unintentionally involved in attempts by candidates, or members of the public to gain some free publicity.
Timeframes
Complaints and other feedback are accorded high priority within the Commission, although the response rate for complaints will vary according to the complexity and urgency of the subject matter.
Further action
If you are not happy with the result of the Electoral Commissioner’s ruling, and after further discussion you remain dissatisfied, you will be advised of further action which may be open to you, such as a further appeal mechanism or the Courts.
It is important to remember that the Courts are the only authority that can determine whether a breach of Electoral Law has occurred and impose penalties. The Commission will only take matters to Court where it is believed there is a reasonable chance of successful prosecution and the matter is in the public interest.