The process to finalise election results is in its final stage with the Western Australian Electoral Commission now conducting the full distribution of preferences to determine the successful candidates.
The final full distribution of preferences count began on 19 March with six districts being counted per day over ten days. This process includes methodically checking for formality and hand-counting all WA district, interstate and overseas polling places, postal votes and declaration and absent votes. Provisional votes have also been verified for eligibility before being admitted to the count.
The full distribution of preferences ensures a candidate secures an absolute majority of the vote before being declared the winner. This process involves counting first preference votes, eliminating the lowest-scoring candidates and redistributing their votes until only two candidates remain. The final majority winner is then declared. The final result is published online as ‘awaiting declaration’ before the returning officer formally declares the result.
Scrutineers are present during the count to observe the process and ensure transparency and accountability.
The count process is on track compared to the same point at the 2021 election.
Districts completed and awaiting declaration
Fremantle; Riverton; Bateman; Murray-Wellington; Geraldton; Churchlands; Albany; Warren-Blackwood; Collie-Preston; Pilbara and Jandakot.
Track election results here.
Recounts
Recounts occur only after the final count and before results are declared. If the margin between the top two candidates is 100 votes or less after the full preference distribution count, the Returning Officer will automatically offer another full count before declaring the results. The Returning Officer may also order targeted recounts.
For margins greater than 100 votes, a full recount will only be considered if a candidate provides compelling written reasons challenging the accuracy of the count.
Legislative Council count
The Legislative Council count is ongoing as ballot papers continue to be processed. Daily updates on party standings are available online. There has been a high number of voters marking more than one square above the line, which has resulted in a more complex count.
The final list of elected candidates is expected to be confirmed in the second week of April.
For more information and the most up-to-date schedule of full distribution of preferences, please email: media@waec.wa.gov.au