As West Australians prepare to head to the polls next month, a significant shift in the voting system promises to reshape the political landscape. This change, particularly affecting the upper house, the Legislative Council, could lead to a challenging dynamic for the next government.
In a departure from the traditional district-based representation, voters will now engage in a Senate-style selection process, casting their ballots for 36 candidates to serve the entire state. This reform comes as Western Australia, a vast region larger than many countries, seeks to enhance its democratic representation.
The upcoming ballot will be notably expansive, with the WA Electoral Commission contemplating a two-page format to accommodate all candidates. Proponents of the new system argue that it will better reflect the electorate’s diverse views, providing a platform for minor parties that have struggled for representation in the past.
However, critics express concern that this approach may marginalize regional voters, potentially leaving their interests underrepresented. This reformed voting method follows the abolition of six electoral districts—three metropolitan and three regional—by the Mark McGowan-led government in 2021, shortly after a decisive electoral victory and an independent review.
As the election approaches, the implications of this major reform are set to be a focal point of discussion, potentially altering the balance of power in the WA parliament.
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