The Western Australian Electoral Commission has closed nominations for the State General Election on 13 March and is preparing ballot papers for early and postal voting.
In a statement, the Commission said there were 19 political parties and a total of 788 candidates contesting thes election, approximately 10 per cent more candidates than in the 2017 State General Election.
Candidates for the Legislative Assembly increased by 12.3 per cent and candidates for the Legislative Council increased by 6.6 per cent.
“The electoral district with the largest number of candidates is Albany where electors will have to number the boxes on their ballot paper from one to 12 in the order of their preference,” the Commission said.
“At the close of enrolment on 11 February there were 1,716,732 electors eligible to vote. This is an increase of 123,510 electors since the last State General Election four years ago, a 7.75 per cent increase.”
Electoral Commissioner, Robert Kennedy (pictured) said being enrolled to vote was the first step in taking part of the State Election.
“If you’ve moved house since the last election, you may also have moved electorates so it’s important to update your enrolled address,” Mr Kennedy said.
“If you’ve re-located to WA since the last election, you should also get on to the WA State Electoral Roll.”
He said that for those who were 18, or turning 18 on or before 13 March, this was their first opportunity to vote in a State Election “so don’t let the opportunity go by”.
Mr Kennedy said the Electoral Commission was also asking people to plan how, when and where they were going to vote.
“The lockdown was a good reminder that if people have concerns about voting in person on Election Day, there are early voting and postal voting options available,” he said.
“Anyone concerned about voting in person can apply for a postal vote.”
He said the quickest and easiest way to apply for a postal vote was by visiting the Commission’s website or by calling 13 63 06.
The Commission’s website can be accessed at this PS News link.
