THE City of Cockburn has thrown its support behind moves to modernise local government elections, backing electronic voting as a means of improving participation.
Councillors unanimously endorsed a submission to the WA Local Government Association on electoral reform at their March meeting, with a proviso electronic polls should be seen as an alternative to compulsory voting.
The submission states the city “supports voluntary voting at local government elections” and would maintain that position even if election cycles were extended to four years.
The city also backed retaining the current system of staggered elections, noting “the current approach of a four-year term with a half spill every two years ensures there is a balance between continuity of governance through local government elections, and regular elections to ensure council remains responsive to the community.”
However, it cautioned against major changes without broader input, warning “any significant change in local government elections would require deep and meaningful consultation with the local government and the wider community.”
The submission comes as the sector debates possible reforms flagged by local government Minister Hannah Beazley, including longer election cycles and compulsory voting.
Cockburn’s position will now be considered as part of WALGA’s sector-wide response to the Cook government.
After spotting a story in the West Australian about electronic voting coming up for debate at the City of Belmont, Fremantle Chamber of Commerce contacted the Chook to suggest it was something local councils might want to look into.
Participation
“It is always interesting to step back and look at the data behind local government elections,” Ms Maus said.
“In Fremantle’s last mayoral election there were approximately 33,000 eligible voters, yet just over 9,700 people participated, representing a turnout of around 29 per cent.
“Of those votes, the final result saw the successful candidate reach just over 4,400 votes following the distribution of preferences. For clarity, that does not mean 4,400 first preference votes.
“When you step back and look at the numbers, the data tells quite an interesting story.
“In practical terms, the mayor secured the office with the support of roughly only one in eight eligible voters in Fremantle, with a notable portion of those votes arriving through preference flows rather than first choice support.
“This is not a criticism of the Mayor.
“The result is entirely valid under the electoral system we use and preferential voting works exactly as intended.
“However it does highlight a broader challenge for local government across Western Australia.
“With participation rates this low, even decisive victories can ultimately reflect the views of only a relatively small share of the community.
“Fremantle is certainly not unique in this regard.
“The more important conversation is how we encourage greater civic participation so that the leadership of our city reflects the voice of as many Fremantle residents as possible.
“If innovations such as online voting help achieve that, then I think that is a conversation well worth having,” Ms Maus told the Herald.