Community-minded candidates urged to take up opportunity to run for seats on local government

The eight-day nomination period for October’s local government elections has opened.

Community members planning to campaign for a seat on their council — including the City of Albany and shires of Denmark and Plantagenet — have until 4pm on September 7 to officially submit their nominations.

The election will be held on October 21, but most votes in local government elections are traditionally submitted by post.

Once the nomination period has run its course, postal voting packages will be sent out from mid-September.

The State Government’s new local government reforms will introduce optional preferential voting giving the option to rank their candidates in order of preference.

Previously local government elections have operated on a first-past-the-post system.

Preferential voting means councillors will have to surpass a certain proportion of the votes, dependent on the number of vacancies, before being elected.

In Albany’s mayoral race, which is set to be contested by at least five candidates, the winning candidate will have to attract a majority of votes after preferences are allocated to become the City’s next mayor.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said being on the council in any capacity was incredibly rewarding.

“While I won’t be seeking re-election, I look forward to witnessing Albany’s continued progress under new leadership,” he said.

“I encourage all residents to use their vote wisely as it has the power to have a significant impact on our local community.

“Understand who is worthy of your vote and what beneficial change they can make to Albany over the next four years.”