Thinking of running for Council?
To nominate to become an Elected Member (whether that be the Mayor or Councillor) you must:
- be 18 years of age or older;
- not be disqualified from being an Elected Member under a provision of the Local Government Act 1995;
- be an elector of the district (if you are only an elector because you are a nominee of a company then you are not eligible to stand as a candidate);
- if you are a current council member, have a term that ends on election day, unless you are standing for Mayor; and
- complete the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s’ mandatory induction course for local government election candidates (accessed through the Department’s website).
Nominations are to be lodged in person by making an appointment with the Town’s Returning Officer, who is responsible for the local government elections once the nomination period opens. The next local government elections are scheduled for October 2027. The Town’s Returning Officer and nomination dates will be confirmed closer to the election period.
Required Induction Course for Local Government Election Candidates
Anyone intending to nominate as a candidate for future elections must complete a free online induction course, delivered by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety:
Please refer to Induction for prospective candidates | DLGIRS.
The course gives prospective candidates a basic understanding of the role of an Elected Member before nominations open. Completion of the course is a requirement for eligibility to nominate.
The WAEC Nomination Builder steps candidates through the online nomination process.
Your application must include:
- completed nomination form and signed declaration;
- candidate profile;
- deposit of $100; and
- recent head shot no larger than a passport photo (optional).
More information can be found on the Western Australian Electoral Commission Website.