Interest in Local Government elections in WA appears to be undergoing a resurgence of interest, judging by the increased participation rate in Saturday’s Local Government elections.
The WAEC conducted elections for 89 of the State’s local councils, with an overall participation rate of approximately 34.5%.
“While I would like to see the rate go up even more, this is a pleasing increase on recent elections,” Electoral Commissioner, David Kerslake said.
The overall participation rate at the last Local Government elections in 2015 was 27.5%.
“Local Governments continue to play a very important role and it is great to see more electors getting out to have their say in who governs their local community,” Mr Kerslake said.
Voter turnout was even higher in most of the mayoral elections conducted by the Commission, with councils such as Cottesloe, Claremont, Fremantle, Mosman Park and Subiaco all recording above 40%.
The Shires of Mount Marshall and Victoria Plains (West Ward) achieved the highest turnout rates, with both recording 81%.
Election results for all councils are available on the Electoral Commission’s website www.elections.wa.gov.au .
Authorised by the Electoral Commissioner, 23 October 2017