The Secret Harbour By-election is officially underway, following the issuing of the writ by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to Western Australian Electoral Commissioner Dennis O’Reilly.
The by-election will be held following the retirement of the former Member for Secret Harbour, Mr Paul Papalia.
The writ sets out the key dates for the by-election, including the close of candidate nominations at 12 noon on Tuesday 21 July, and polling day on Saturday 29 August 2026.
Mr O’Reilly said the WA Electoral Commission’s immediate priority was ensuring Secret Harbour electors and candidates had clear, timely and accessible information about the by-election.
“The issuing of the writ is an important milestone in the State’s democratic process, and we are focused on delivering a fair, transparent and well-run by-election for the Secret Harbour district,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Secret Harbour by-election dates include:
- 12 noon, Tuesday 21 July 2026 — nominations of candidates close
- 6pm, Tuesday 21 July 2026 — electoral rolls close
- 8am, Monday 17 August 2026 — early voting begins
- 8am to 6pm, Saturday 29 August 2026 — polling day
- Saturday 10 October 2026 — last day for return of the writ
Eligible electors enrolled in the Secret Harbour district are encouraged to check their enrolment details are up to date and confirm they live within the district boundaries.
Voting in this by-election is compulsory, and electors should consider how they plan to vote, with options including postal voting, early voting, or voting on polling day.
More information is available at elections.wa.gov.au.