Local Government Election Voting - FAQ

How are the Town's Elections Held?

Local Government ordinary elections occur every two years, and are generally held on the third Saturday in October.

An Ordinary Election will be held on Saturday 21 October 2023.

Voting in a Local Government election is not compulsory in Western Australia, however, all electors are strongly encouraged to vote.

There are two types of local government elections - postal elections and voting in person elections. At a postal election, electors are sent an election package which includes the ballot papers and may then vote at home and post the completed papers. At a voting in person election, electors may vote early or by post but most choose to vote in person on election day at a polling place within the district.

The Town of Port Hedland currently conducts its election by way of postal voting.

Postal election

All eligible electors will receive a postal voting package around three weeks prior to polling day. The package will include a list of candidates, ballot papers, instructions on how to vote and a declaration. To vote, follow the instructions included in the package. Your postal voting package must be received before 6.00pm on polling day. If you do not think that your postal voting package can be returned by post in time, you can deliver it by hand to a polling official.

What's included in the Voting pack?

The package will include a list of candidates, ballot papers, instructions on how to vote and a declaration. The list of names that will appear on ballot papers is confirmed by the WA Electoral Commision (WAEC). See the confirmed list on the WAEC website.

How do I fill out the voting papers?

To vote, follow the instructions included in the package. The 2023 elections will see a change in voting from first past the post to optional preferential voting. Watch a short video explaining Optional Preferential Voting.

When do I vote?

Once you've completed your voting papers you can post them back at any time. Your postal voting package must be received before 6.00pm on polling day, 21 October 2023. If you do not think that your postal voting package can be returned by post in time, you can deliver it by hand to a polling official at the Council office.

Can I vote in person?

The only way to vote is by filling out your voting papers that you receive in the mail. You are welcome to complete them at a polling station on 21 October 2023 and put them into the ballot box available.

Am I enrolled to vote?

If you live within the Town of Port Hedland's boundaries, and you are already enrolled as an elector on the Commonwealth or State Electoral Roll for your residential address, you will automatically be enrolled for Local Government elections.

To check if you are on the Commonwealth or State electoral roll, visit the below websites:

If you have recently moved house or changed your name, you will need to update your details.

Visit the WAEC website to:

What if I am not enrolled to vote?

If you are a resident of the Town and not already enrolled to vote, you must make a claim for enrolment with the Australian Electoral Commission.

You can:

Enrol Online
Collect an enrolment form from any post office and return it to the Australian Electoral Commission.

If you require a replacement ballot paper due to making a mistake, or should you not receive your ballot, please visit reception at the Civic Centre on McGregor Street in Port Hedland between 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday for a replacement ballot paper.

Please note, due to standard delays with postage from Perth to regional areas, the Town will not be issuing replacement packages prior to Friday, 29 September 2023.

When is the last day to cast your vote?

Voters have until 6pm on Saturday, 21 October 2023 (Election Day) to vote, but voting on this day must be done IN PERSON at the Town of Port Hedland Civic Centre.

Reissuing of Ballots for the 2023 Local Government Election being held 21 October

The Town of Port Hedland’s 2023 Local Government Election will be conducted via post. All electors who are on the roll and registered to the Town of Port Hedland will receive a voting pack in the mail, with instructions on how to complete and submit their vote. It is not compulsory to vote in Local Government Elections but all eligible residents of the Town of Port Hedland are encouraged to vote for their future Council.

These voting packs (known as ballots) will be posted after Wednesday 20 September 2023 from the Western Australian Electoral Commission’s (WAEC) office in Perth to the voters address registered on the WAEC website. Due to the Town’s remote location, ballots may be subject to postal delays.

Please note, due to standard delays with postage from Perth to regional areas, the Town will not be issuing replacement packages prior to Friday, 29 September 2023.

What if I will be away and haven’t received my election package in time?

Early or absent voting is not available for postal Elections. If you are planning to go away before election packages are posted, one of the best options is to arrange for a mail redirection to an alternative address with Australia Post. If this is not practical e.g. travelling overseas for extended periods of time, unfortunately it may not be possible for you to vote as your postal ballot paper may not be received in time. As voting at local government elections is not compulsory, you will not receive a fine.

Where can I get more information on Elections?

Further information about local government elections is available from the: