The 2021 Election
On Friday, 2 March 2018, the Minister for Local Government announced the suspension of the City of Perth Council and the appointment of Commissioners to fulfil the role of the suspended Council. In October 2019, the term of the suspended Lord Mayor and four suspended Councillors expired and in January 2020, the Minister declared the offices of the remaining four suspended Councillors vacant, as more than half of the offices of Council were vacant.
An election to fill the vacancies occurred on Saturday, 17 October 2020, where the following positions were filled:
| 1 Lord Mayor, 3 year term, Term to expire on 21 October 2023 | Basil Zempilas |
| 4 Councillors, 3 year terms, Term to expire on 21 October 2023 | Sandy Anghie, Di Bain, Catherine Lezer, Rebecca Gordon |
| 4 Councillors, 1 year terms, Term to expire on 16 October 2021 | Brent Fleeton, Liam Gobbert, Victor Ko, Clyde Bevan |
The 2021 election sees the following positions available on Council:
- 4 Councillors, 4 year terms, Term to expire on 18 October 2025
Electoral Gift Register
Information for voters
Information for candidates
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When is election day?Saturday, 16 October 2021.
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When does the poll close?6pm on Saturday, 16 October 2021.
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When are the votes counted?After 6pm on Saturday, 16 October 2021.
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When are the election results announced?On the evening of Saturday, 16 October 2021 or morning of Sunday, 17 October 2021, when the counting of votes has been finalised.
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Where can I vote?The election is conducted via postal voting. A ballot box will be on ground floor of Council House Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and on Saturday, 16 October 2021 from 8am - 6pm.
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When will I receive the voting papers?Approximately three weeks before election day.
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What is the system for counting votes?The ‘first past the post’ system is used for local government elections, electors indicate the candidate, or candidates, of their choice by placing a tick in the box opposite the names of the chosen people, up to the number of vacancies to be filled, with candidates being elected in order of the number of votes they receive.
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Who is the Returning Officer?The Electoral Commissioner has appointed Steve Tweedie as Returning Officer for the 2021 City of Perth Ordinary Election. He can be contacted via email to lgro_perth@elections.wa.gov.au or phone at 0460 289 487.
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Can I vote for the Lord Mayor directly?Yes. The next Lord Mayor election will be held on 21 October 2023.
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Does the City have wards?No.
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What do I do if I don't receive my ballot papers?Please call the City's Governance team on 08 9461 3250 to request replacement ballot papers.
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If I own multiple properties in the City, can I vote more than once?No, an individual cannot vote multiple times.
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Why do I have to provide a copy of my lease, tenancy agreement etc?Under the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997 the Chief Executive Officer can make inquires to determine a person's eligibility for enrolment, including asking for a copy of a lease or tenancy agreement to support a claim for enrolment.
