Get ready to have your say at Local Government elections

Enrol to vote before Friday 25 August so you can have your say at the upcoming Local Government election on Saturday 21 October, or nominate for Council.

Following Local Government reforms introduced this year, there will be changes to the way you elect the Council and Mayor.

City of Gosnells electors will now elect the Mayor by popular (public) vote.

Optional Preferential Voting will also be introduced. This means the way in which you vote will be similar to how you vote in a State or Federal election.

Electors will receive two ballot papers in the mail in the weeks leading up to the election. One of the ballot papers will be for the election of six Councillors and the other will be to elect the Mayor.

If you live in the City of Gosnells, make sure your details are current on the State Electoral Roll. To do this, visit the WA Electoral Commission website at elections.wa.gov.au.

If you don’t live in the City of Gosnells but own or occupy a property (such as a business premises) within the area, you may be eligible to register on the City’s Owners and Occupiers Roll. You can check your eligibility by calling the City on 9397 3000 or emailing council@gosnells.wa.gov.au.

To be eligible to run for Council, you must be 18 years or older and be an elector of the district. Nominations open Thursday 31 August and close 7 September.

Anyone interested in becoming a Councillor is encouraged to register for a webinar for prospective candidates at 6pm on Monday 14 August, run by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) and the WA Electoral Commission. Visit dlgsc.wa.gov.au for details and to register.

For more information about the election, the role of a Councillor or Mayor and how to nominate, click here.