Published on Friday, 1 March 2024 at 2:27:21 PM
The result of the Town of Port Hedland by-election could be decided by just a few hundred people as voter apathy presents a risk of record low voter turnout.
A by-election is currently being held for one vacant Councillor position. Only 11.5%, or 1043 votes, have been returned to the WAEC via post out of a possible 9,000. With voting closing in just seven days, voter apathy could see the spot won by a handful of votes.
The October 2023 ordinary Council election concluded with a narrow margin of 250 votes between the lowest and highest scoring candidates in first-round preferences.
Voter turnout in that election was 23.18%, falling below the average Hedland voter turnout of 27% since 2005.
The Town of Port Hedland hopes to meet this 27% voter turnout average in the current by-election, and is urging the community to actively participate.
Town of Port Hedland Chief Executive Officer Carl Askew said elections were the backbone of democracy.
“The local community should be aware of the significance of their vote as Elected Members on Council make key decisions on developments within their Town,” Mr Askew said.
“I encourage everyone to learn about the candidates and make an informed choice on the ballot paper."
Sealed ballots can be dropped off in-person at designated ballot boxes at:
- Civic Centre, McGregor Street, Port Hedland
- JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub, Cottier Drive, South Hedland.
All voting will conclude Friday 8 March at 6:00pm. To promote voter engagement, the Town of Port Hedland will host a Free Democracy Sausage Sizzle on Friday 8 March from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
Detailed information about candidates and the voting process can be found on the Town of Port Hedland's website under Elections.
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