About Local Government Elections

Understanding local government elections

Local government elections in Western Australia offer residents the opportunity to elect representatives for their local councils, including roles such as Mayor and Councillors. These elected officials play a pivotal role in local decision-making and community development.

In the City of Cockburn, residents elect three councillors to represent each ward and a Mayor, with each official serving a four-year term.

Voting in Western Australia's local government elections is voluntary, but it's a significant way to influence your community's direction.

Changes to 2023 elections

In 2023, the State Government is introducing several electoral reforms. These reforms are aimed at strengthening local democracy, transparency and accountability by:

• Introducing optional preferential voting - enabling you to vote for just one candidate, vote for some, or vote for all
• Requiring public election of the mayor for all larger councils
• Abolishing the use of wards for smaller local governments.

To find out more about these reforms visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website.

Key 2023 election dates

• Enrol to vote deadline: 25 August 2023
• Candidate nomination phase: 31 August 2023 to 7 September 2023 (closing at 4pm)
• Election day: 21 October 2023.

Want to get involved?

• Learn how and where to vote
• Nominate to become a Councillor

More information

Want to know more about how local government works? View An Introduction to Local Government.