Call-out to voters and potential candidates as local government elections draw near

Four seats at the Greater Geraldton council table are up for grabs at October’s local government elections, as the overall number of councillors shrinks from 11 to nine.

With the election drawing closer, residents are being reminded to make sure they are enrolled to vote, and for potential candidates it is time to prepare to put their hand up.

Under legislative reforms, local government areas with a population up to 75,000 can only have up to nine councillors, including the mayor.

People interested in nominating as a candidate can get an insight into the roles and responsibilities at information sessions on Monday, August 18 from 5pm-8pm at the Geraldton Civic Centre and Wednesday, August 20 from 4.30pm-6pm at Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation.

Conducted by the WA Electoral Commission as a postal ballot and taking place every two years, the election is scheduled for Saturday, October 18.

In this poll, the Greater Geraldton mayoral position is not up for election.

The councillors whose terms are due to expire this year are deputy mayor Natasha Colliver, Cr Steve Cooper, Cr Jennifer Critch, Cr Michael Librizzi, Cr Victor Tanti and Cr Aaron Horsman.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune, whose term expires in 2027, urged people to check their enrolment to make sure they could have their say.

“Council play an extremely important role in how our community runs and functions – and councillors are voted in by you,” he said.

“This is a timely reminder to ensure you have your enrolment details up to date so when it comes time to vote you can make a difference.”

In 2023, 16 people put their names forward vying for a council spot, while there were four contenders for the mayoral position, which Mr Clune won over then-mayor Shane Van Styn after preferences were counted.

The last election saw an increase in voter participation, from 27.7 per cent in 2021 to 33.4 per cent in 2023.

Residents listed on the State electoral roll are automatically eligible to vote in the district that they are enrolled. If unsure, people can check their enrolment details on the WAEC website.

People might also be eligible to enrol if they are on the State electoral roll in another district, but own rateable property in Greater Geraldton.

Election material will be posted to eligible voters about two weeks before election day, with instructions included on how to vote.

More information can be found on the city’s website.

The closing date for enrolling to vote is 5pm on Friday, August 22.