4 August, 2026
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.
- Making voter information easier to access: A new voter gateway on the WAEC website includes an interactive map to help voters find polling places and check the district they are enrolled in using their address. Clear information about voting options and the process will also be available online and at polling places when they open.
- Supporting temporary election worker recruitment: We are working closely with our recruitment supplier, Persol, to improve oversight of temporary election worker applications. The Returning Officer for Secret Harbour is also involved in selecting workers for the event.
- Refreshing training for temporary election workers: Training materials have been updated using direct feedback from Returning Officers, helping ensure temporary election workers are well prepared and supported.
- Drawing on Returning Officer expertise: A subject matter expert group of current and previous Returning Officers has been established to provide practical input on training materials for the Secret Harbour by-election and future election events.
- Using electronic roll mark-off: Electronic roll mark-off has been used at previous by-elections and will be used again for this event to help manage queues and ballot papers at polling places.
We’ll continue to keep the community updated on progress against the Special Inquiry recommendations. More information is available on our website here.