West Ward decision day draws closer in City of Albany extraordinary election

The more than 4700 electors in the City of Albany West Ward have until December 16 to vote in the council’s extraordinary election.

Postal voting packages were sent to eligible residents last month. Those who have not received one can apply for a replacement by contacting the returning officer on 0458 807 520.

Five candidates are contesting the election, which was called in October following the death of West Ward councillor and inaugural City of Albany Mayor Alison Goode in August.

The successful candidate’s term on council will run until October 2025.

Incoming local government reforms, which will reduce the number of representatives on the council, are not expected to affect the length of the term.

City chief executive Andrew Sharpe said the vacant seat must be filled according to current legislation.

“The City would have been able to hold the vacant seat over until the 2023 October Ordinary Election if the seat had become vacant after the third Saturday in January 2023,” he said.

He said the City was targeting a 30 per cent participation rate, which was about the average level for local Government elections.

“The West Ward covers a range of communities and demographics. Representation of the Ward will include those in the rural areas of Elleker, Torbay, and Young Siding and those closer to the CBD such as McKail and Milpara,” he said.

“With such a cross-section of the community in the ward representation, the incoming Elected Member will likely need to canvas many ward residents to understand their broad range of priorities.”

The vote count will take place after polls close, with the result expected to be announced later that evening.