Local Government Extraordinary Elections will be conducted as postal elections on Thursday, 25 June 2026, for the four local governments listed below.
Local Government Extraordinary Elections in Western Australia are elections held outside the normal two-year cycle to fill a vacancy that occurs mid-term. This happens when a councillor, mayor, or president passes away, resigns, or is disqualified during their term. The person elected in an extraordinary election serves for the remainder of the original term, not a full four-year term.
Local Governments holding an election
After the close of nominations some Local Governments did not proceed to election because no nominations were received for the vacancy (Shire of Dowerin and Shire of Merredin).
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Shire of Dowerin - not proceeding to election |
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Shire of Merredin - not proceeding to election |
Upcoming key dates
Postal vote (Election Package) mailout: scheduled 26 May 2026.
Elections packages which include ballot papers, candidate information and how-to-vote information will begin arriving in your mailbox in early June.
To make your vote count:
1: follow the instructions on your ballot paper(s) and cast your vote.
2: Sign the elector’s certificate.
3: Send your postal vote back asap. It must be received by 6pm 25 June (election day) to be included in the count.
Quick links
Information for candidates - resources such as forms and the Nomination Builder.
Electoral Offences and complaints - information about authorisation of electoral material, ballot paper handling and more.
Election Notices - key dates and information for each Local Government holding an election.
Local Government Stakeholder Resources - video resources including guidance on election types and voting processes.
How to vote
Optional preferential voting is the voting system used in Local government elections. This means you have the choice to number the candidates in the order of your preference. You do not have to number all the boxes if you don’t want to.
You have the choice to:
- vote for one candidate - by putting a 1 next to their name
- vote for some candidates - by numbering several candidates in the order of your preference
- vote for all candidates - in the order of your preference
Who can vote
Residents
All residents in a local government district who are enrolled on the State electoral roll are automatically enrolled on the corresponding local government roll. You must make sure you are correctly enrolled, and your details are up to date by 5pm 29 April to vote in the Local government elections.
Owners and Occupiers
People who own or occupy rateable property within a local government district, can apply to their local government to be included on the roll as an owner/occupier, as long as they are eligible electors.