2026 Special Local Government Election

The Shire of Carnarvon will hold a Special Local Government Election on Thursday, 3 December 2026 to elect a new Shire President and all seven Councillors.

Formally referred to as an extraordinary election under the Local Government Act 1995, the election will be conducted by the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) as a postal election.

Voting in Western Australian local government elections is voluntary; however, every eligible elector is encouraged to take part. Your vote helps choose the people who will represent our community and guide the future direction of the Shire.

Election day: Thursday, 3 December 2026
Completed postal votes must be received by 6.00pm.

Why is a special election being held?

In May 2026, six elected members, including the Shire President, resigned from Council. The remaining number of elected members was below the minimum required to form a quorum.

The Governor subsequently declared the remaining elected member offices vacant and appointed the Hon Martin Aldridge as Commissioner.

The Commissioner is currently performing the governance and decision-making functions of Council and the Shire President. He will remain in this role until the newly elected Council holds its first meeting.

The December election will restore the Shire’s entire elected governing body.

Positions to be elected

All eligible electors can vote in the Shire President election. Electors can also vote for Councillor candidates in the ward in which they are enrolled.

Key dates

Returning Officers