Preparing for your new council’s first meeting

Local government elections will be held across Western Australia tomorrow (Saturday 21 October 2023).

These elections will be conducted using the optional preferential voting system. 

As elections now allow electors to indicate their preferences for representation, it may take longer for election results to be known than in previous years.

This means results may not be declared on 21 October 2023.

There is also a need for candidates to be provided with a reasonable opportunity to request a recount of votes when the preliminary result is close. Once a result has been declared, no recount may be requested.   

Local governments, candidates and the community are encouraged to be patient with returning officers and other electoral officials as they undertake their duties. 

Local governments are also encouraged to not schedule their first council meetings in the week following election day.

This allows for results to be declared, inductions to occur and any new council members to become familiar with their role and peers before making any decisions. 

Local governments are reminded that the election by council of the mayor/president and the deputy mayor/president is to be conducted through optional preferential voting in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995, Local Government (Constitution) Regulations 1998 and Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997.  

The appointment of members to committees is not an election and must be conducted by an open vote resolved by absolute majority. 

For further queries please contact the Local Government Hotline on 1300 762 511 or lghotline@dlgsc.wa.gov.au