Voting and elections

Yes, as long as you are enrolled on the State electoral roll for a residence in the City of Rockingham, or are on the City of Rockingham Owner and Occupiers Roll. More information is available in the enrolment section.

No it is not. It is important to vote and make your voice heard. 

There are many reasons why people stand for Council. Most councillors say the sense of satisfaction gained from serving the community is the biggest reward for joining Council.  

Some of the benefits gained include:

• increased knowledge of the operations of the City
• improved self-esteem
• confidence in public speaking
• the chance to meet new people and become involved in activities in the community which may not have been possible otherwise.

Of all the levels of government, local government is particularly rewarding as councillors see first-hand the changes occurring within our community – changes they have played a role in making. Being a councillor can change your perspective about the diversity of our community and the different needs of each group.

If you are considering standing for Council at the next election, further information can be obtained from the Western Australian Electoral Commission or the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The nomination period opens on the 44th day prior to election day and closes at 4pm on the 37th day prior to election. 

The local government election day is held throughout Western Australia on the third Saturday in October every second year. The next local government election will be held in October 2023.

Enrolments close on the 50th day prior to election day.

Yes, the community can vote directly on who should fill the office of Mayor.

The City has three wards:

• Baldivis Ward (three councillor representatives)
• Comet Bay Ward (two councillor representatives)
• Rockingham / Safety Bay Ward (six councillor representatives)

The City of Rockingham conducts its election by postal voting.

A voting package which consists of the ballot paper and candidate profiles is posted to each elector over 20 days prior to election day. This allows plenty of time to vote and return the completed ballot paper in the envelope provided.

The polling place (City of Rockingham Administration Building) is open on election day (8am to 6pm) so that electors may return completed ballot papers in person (e.g. if the elector forgot to post their completed ballot papers in time). Electors can also come in to get replacement packages if they did not receive their package, it got lost or was damaged (e.g. snails). To receive a replacement package you must fill in a form to ensure that you only vote once in each election. 

A ballot box will be at the City of Rockingham Administration Building from the day ballot papers are sent out until 6pm on election day.

As the City of Rockingham conducts postal elections, voting packages will be sent to your postal address.

The votes will be counted from 6pm on election day. The public is welcome to watch the votes being counted. 

The ‘first past the post’ system is used for local government elections, in which 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.

The Returning Officer for the Local Government Elections is appointed by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.

Candidates have a duty of disclosure of electoral donations. Candidates and donors are required to disclose any electoral-related gifts promised or received within the six months prior to polling day.

Part 5A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997 - Dislcosure of Gifts:

Both candidates and donors to disclose information about any electoral related gift with a value of $200 or more that was given or promised during the disclosure period (being six months before Election Day).

Electoral gifts

A "gift" means a disposition of property, or the conferral of any financial benefit, made by one person in favour of another.

It can include:

• a gift of money
• a gift which is non-monetary but of value
• a gift in kind or where there is inadequate financial consideration such as the receipt of a discount (where the difference or the discount is worth more than $200)
• a financial or other contribution to travel
• the provision of a service for no consideration or for inadequate consideration
• a firm promise or agreement to give a gift at some future time.

It is important to note that a gift could be one or more gifts from the same donor that's combined value is $200 or more.

A "gift" does not include a gift by will; a gift from a relative; a gift that does not relate to the candidate's candidature; or the provision of volunteer labour.

Disclosure of electoral gifts

Both candidates and donors are required to disclose information about any electoral related gift with a value of $200 or more that is given or promised within the disclosure period. It is essential that candidates be aware of this legislative requirement and should advise donors of their reporting responsibilities.

Disclosure period

Within three days of nomination, any candidate in a local government election is required to disclose any gifts received within the disclosure period prior to nomination. The disclosure period commences six months prior to Election Day. Any gift received after nomination is required to be disclosed within three days of acceptance of the gift. Penalties apply ($5,000).

The disclosure period finishes three days after Election Day for unsuccessful candidates and on the start day for financial interest returns for successful candidates.

How a disclosure is made

All disclosures are to be made on a LG09A Disclosure of Gifts form and delivered to the Chief Executive Officer within three days of receiving the gift, once your candidate nomination has been made to the Returning Officer.

Donors will also need to disclose any gifts made within the relevant period. Information to be supplied includes the name of the candidate, the name and address of the donor, the date the gift was promised or received, the value of the gift and a description of the gift.

The Chief Executive Officer is required to establish and maintain a public electoral gift register located on the City's website. Disclosures will be removed three days after Election Day for unsuccessful candidates and at the completion of the term of office for successful candidates.

Contact our Governance and Councillor Support team for any further information on 9528 0333.

Read the information sheet below regarding City of Rockingham Sign Requirements for Local Government Elections.

Candidates must not use the following:

• City of Rockingham logos or crests
• Photos from the City's website or social media platforms.

Candidates may share City of Rockingham information with direct links from the City's website or share posts from the City's official social media accounts. 

Please remember candidates that this year the City of Rockingham Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates will apply to you.