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.
The deadline to receive postal votes is approaching for the September Local Government extraordinary elections; the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) must receive postal votes by 6:00pm on 24 September.
Voters must ensure their completed postal vote is received by the deadline for it to be included in the count. The WAEC wishes to remind all voters to:
The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) has officially declared the results of the Secret Harbour By-election held on 29 August 2026.
Mr Luke Herdegen was declared as the elected candidate by the Returning Officer on Wednesday, 9 September.
This declaration finalises the by-election result and supersedes the indicative result reported on polling night.
Postal voting packs are in the mail for t
Thousands of Secret Harbour electors are expected to cast their vote in this Saturday’s by-election, with voting compulsory for all eligible electors in the district.
Those who have not yet voted can still vote early on Friday, 28 August at the Secret Harbour Early Polling Place, or attend one of the nine polling places open across the district on polling day, Saturday, 29 August.
To make their vote count, electors must complete the ballot paper correctly by numbering every box from 1 to 16 in the order of their choice.
Early polling for the Secret Harbour By-election will open from 8am on Monday 17 August, giving voters enrolled in the district more flexibility to cast their ballot ahead of polling day.
Voting in the Secret Harbour By-election is compulsory for all eligible voters.
Candidate Nominations closed on Tuesday 11 August for the nine Local Governments scheduled to hold Extraordinary Elections on 24 September 2026.
At the close of nominations, three out of the nine Local Governments will not be proceeding to election: Shire of Merredin and Shire of Dowerin were uncontested, and Shire of Upper Gascoyne was unopposed.
The Secret Harbour by-election is an opportunity for the WA Electoral Commission to put practical improvements in place, in line with the Special Inquiry recommendations. These updates are focused on making information easier for voters to access, supporting the people who help deliver elections, and continuing to strengthen our election processes.
A field of 16 candidates will contest the Secret Harbour District By-election on Sat
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.