Democracy is often associated with ballot papers, polling places and election results, but behind every election is a dedicated army of people helping West Aussies participate in the democratic process.
This International Day of Democracy, the WAEC is recognising the staff, temporary election workers and educators who help deliver fair, impartial and trusted elections across our State.
Whether it’s helping voters at a polling place, processing enrolment transactions, counting ballot papers, supporting candidates or educating future generations about how our democratic system works, these individuals play an important role in ensuring West Australians can have their say.
Among them are Ross Baker and Mary Patrou, whose combined electoral experience spans more than half a century.
A self-confessed "election junkie", Ross has worked more than 80 elections across Australia since first becoming a polling official at just 17 years old. He most recently served as a Presiding Officer for the Secret Harbour by-election. Ross brings decades of experience and a real passion for democracy, problem-solving, and public service to every election he works.
For Ross, elections have become a family tradition. He first worked alongside his father, later spent decades electioneering with his wife Cheryl, and nowadays, two of their daughters have joined the electoral workforce as well.
Having worked elections across almost every Australian state and territory, Ross says no two elections are ever the same.
"I love elections, I love numbers, I love balancing data, and I love a challenge. Every election is different and brings its own set of unique challenges," he said.
One election in particular remains etched in his memory. A by-election in Orange was decided by just 50 votes out of 50,000 ballots cast, requiring multiple recounts that all produced the same result.
“It shows just how important every vote is,” he said.
While Ross helps voters participate in elections today, Mary Petrou is helping prepare the voters of tomorrow.
Mary’s involvement with elections spans more than five decades. Since first working at an election in the early 1970s, she has contributed to election delivery in a wide range of roles and witnessed significant changes in how elections are conducted across Western Australia.
Today, Mary shares that experience through WAEC's Electoral Education Centre, where she helps students, future teachers and community members understand voting systems, election administration, and democratic participation.
One aspect of the role she particularly values is her work with future teachers. She helps them to understand elections and voting systems, and instils them with knowledge that they can take into classrooms across WA.
"I am passionate about our democracy and whether it is in class, or with a group of adults, I enjoy talking and teaching about our Preferential Voting System and the importance of participating in our elections,” she said
Mary has also served as Returning Officer for the University of Western Australia Student Guild election since 2013, continuing her long-standing contribution to the democratic process.
Although their roles are very different, Ross and Mary share a common purpose: helping Western Australians understand, trust and participate in democracy.
Whether supporting voters at polling places, delivering electoral education, assisting candidates or helping ensure every vote is counted accurately, their stories reflect the commitment of the many WAEC staff and temporary election workers who help make democracy happen every day.
This International Day of Democracy, WAEC thanks all those who work on the frontline of elections and voter engagement, helping strengthen democracy across Western Australia for current and future generations.