Local Government By-Election Voting - FAQ

How are the Town's By-Elections Held?

The Town of Port Hedland Council has a vacant position after Councillor David Eckhart resigned. One and a half years were remaining on the term from the commencement of Mr Eckhart’s service in October 2021.

The WA Electoral Commission advised that a by-election needs to be held, with the date 8 March 2024. It advised it was not possible to fill the vacant seat with the next unsuccessful candidate as it has been more than 12 months since the elected in which Mr Eckhart was successful.

The Town of Port Hedland currently conducts its election by way of postal voting.

Postal election

All eligible electors will receive a postal voting package around three weeks prior to polling day. The package will include a list of candidates, ballot papers, instructions on how to vote and a declaration. To vote, follow the instructions included in the package. Your postal voting package must be received before 6.00pm on polling day. If you do not think that your postal voting package can be returned by post in time, you can deliver it to the boxes located at the Civic Centre, Port Hedland.

What's included in the Voting pack?

The package will include a list of candidates, ballot papers, instructions on how to vote and a declaration. The list of names that will appear on ballot papers is confirmed by the WA Electoral Commision (WAEC). See the confirmed list on the WAEC website.

How do I fill out the voting papers?

To vote, follow the instructions included in the package. The 2024 by-election will see a change in voting from first past the post to optional preferential voting. Watch a short video explaining Optional Preferential Voting.

When do I vote?

Once you've completed your voting papers you can post them back at any time. Your postal voting package must be received before 6.00pm on polling day, 8 March 2024. If you do not think that your postal voting package can be returned by post in time, you can deliver it by hand and place it in the ballot box at the Civic Centre.

Can I vote in person?

The only way to vote is by filling out your voting papers that you receive in the mail. You are welcome to complete them at a polling station on 8 March 2024 and put them into the ballot box available.

Am I enrolled to vote?

If you live within the Town of Port Hedland's boundaries, and you are already enrolled as an elector on the Commonwealth or State Electoral Roll for your residential address, you will automatically be enrolled for Local Government elections.

To check if you are on the Commonwealth or State electoral roll, visit the below websites:

If you have recently moved house or changed your name, you will need to update your details.

Visit the WAEC website to:

Enroll closed 11 January 2024

If you own property and are enrolled on another districts roll, or if you are an eligible occupier of property in the Town of Port Hedland boundaries, you could be eligible to apply to be on the Owner Occupier Roll. Applications for the Owner Occupier Roll close 18 January 2024 for the 8 March 2024 by-election, but you can apply at any time to ensure your eligible to vote in future elections You can find more information by following this link.

What if I am not enrolled to vote?

If you are a resident of the Town and not already enrolled to vote, you must make a claim for enrolment with the Australian Electoral Commission.

You can:

Enrol Online
Collect an enrolment form from any post office and return it to the Australian Electoral Commission.

If you require a replacement ballot paper due to making a mistake, or should you not receive your ballot, please visit reception at the Civic Centre on McGregor Street in Port Hedland between 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday for a replacement ballot paper.

Please note, due to standard delays with postage from Perth to regional areas, if you require a replacement ballot package please use the polling booth provided in reception to complete your ballot paper and place in the ballot box on site.

When is the last day to cast your vote?

Voters have until 6pm on Friday, 8 March 2024 (By-Election Day) to vote. Please keep this in mind if you require a replacement ballot package and utilise the polling station and ballot box provided on site at Civic Centre, Port Hedland.

Reissuing of Ballots for the 2024 Local Government By-Election being held 8 March

The Town of Port Hedland’s 2024 Local Government By-Election will be conducted via post. All electors who are on the roll and registered to the Town of Port Hedland will receive a voting pack in the mail, with instructions on how to complete and submit their vote. It is not compulsory to vote in Local Government Elections, but all eligible residents of the Town of Port Hedland are encouraged to vote for their future Council.

These voting packs (known as ballots) will be posted by 7 February 2024 from the Western Australian Electoral Commission’s (WAEC) office in Perth to the voter's address registered on the WAEC website. Due to the Town’s remote location, ballots may be subject to postal delays.

Please note, due to standard delays with postage from Perth to regional areas, please utilise the polling station and ballot box provided on site at Civic Centre, Port Hedland.

What if I will be away and haven’t received my election package in time?

Early or absent voting is not available for postal Elections. If you are planning to go away before election packages are posted, one of the best options is to arrange for a mail redirection to an alternative address with Australia Post. If this is not practical e.g. travelling overseas for extended periods of time, unfortunately it may not be possible for you to vote as your postal ballot paper may not be received in time. As voting at local government elections is not compulsory, you will not receive a fine.

Where can I get more information on Elections?

Further information about local government elections is available from the: