The Western Australian Electoral Commission has reported a record level of participation for the upcoming State election.
“Even before the starter’s gun sounded, we had a record 16 registered political parties”, Electoral Commissioner David Kerslake said.
This compares with only 7 parties which contested the last State general election.
“We now have near enough to 1.6 million electors enrolled to vote, 200,000 more than last time, and over 700 candidates have nominated for election, another record”, he said.
The highest number of candidates for the Lower House is ten in Darling range, with the smallest being Vasse with four. The South Metropolitan Region leads the way in the Legislative Council with a total of 58 candidates contesting the six available positions.
With the increased level of participation, the Electoral Commission is working hard to ensure that polling places and early voting centres are in readiness for the commencement of voting. Almost 8000 polling officials will be employed on Election Day Saturday 11 March.
Registrations are now open for the Commission’s innovative internet voting system (iVote) available to people with disability or incapacity.
Further information is available on the Commission’s website