WA Minister Warns Compulsory Voting Could Be Introduced Amid Fears of Record-Low Council Election Turnout

Western Australia’s Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has warned that compulsory voting could be introduced for council elections if turnout in this weekend’s poll continues to slide. With residents heading to the ballot box for the third time this year, following both state and federal elections, concerns are mounting that voter fatigue will push participation to historic lows.

Traditionally, turnout for WA’s local government elections has hovered between 30 and 32 per cent, with most ballots cast by post. But Beazley said early figures suggest this year’s poll may not even reach that modest benchmark. “There is absolutely potential for that [lower participation rate],” she told reporters, adding that repeated calls to vote within a single year had left many disengaged.

The minister stressed that local councils are the closest level of government to the community, responsible for delivering many of the services residents rely on daily. Low turnout, she argued, undermines the legitimacy of councils and weakens democratic accountability.

To address the problem, Beazley floated the idea of moving to four-year full spill elections, replacing the current system where half of council seats are contested every two years. She said such a change could help reduce voter fatigue and “enliven the process” by creating clearer electoral cycles and stronger mandates for elected representatives.

The warning comes as debate grows over whether WA should follow other Australian states in making local government voting compulsory. Advocates argue that mandatory participation would boost legitimacy and civic engagement, while critics caution it could impose unnecessary burdens on voters and councils alike.

For now, all eyes are on this weekend’s turnout figures. If participation falls below expectations, the push for reform including compulsory voting is likely to gain momentum, setting the stage for a significant shake-up in how Western Australians choose their local leaders.

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