The Court of Disputed Returns has upheld the result of two City of Fremantle ward elections held during the 2023 Local Government Ordinary Elections.
The Court of Disputed Returns, an independent court which oversees election conduct, ruled it was not necessary to re-run local government elections in Fremantle’s Central and Coastal wards.
The ruling follows an error during the 2023 Local Government Ordinary Elections, which saw electors in Fremantle’s Central and Coastal wards initially receive postal voting ballots for the incorrect ward. The WA Electoral Commission promptly identified the error and correct ballots were reissued, however the election result was challenged in the Court of Disputed Returns.
WA Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy acknowledged the court’s decision, stating the matter has now been formally resolved.
“The WA Electoral Commission notes the decision by the Court of Disputed Returns and the matter has now been resolved,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Our focus is now firmly on the delivery of the upcoming State and local government elections, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all voters.”