These frequently asked questions provide general information about enrolling, voting and nominating. Additional information will be published as arrangements are confirmed by the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC).
When is the election?
The election will be held on Thursday, 3 December 2026.
Completed postal voting packages must be received by the Returning Officer 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 election will restore the Shire’s entire elected governing body.
Which positions will be elected?
The following positions will be elected:
| Position |
Vacancies |
| Shire President |
1 |
| Town Ward Councillor |
4 |
| Plantation Ward Councillor |
1 |
| Gascoyne/Minilya Ward Councillor |
1 |
| Coral Bay Ward Councillor |
1 |
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.
Who can vote?
You can vote if you are included on either:
Residents enrolled on the State Electoral Roll at their current address within the Shire are automatically included on the corresponding local government roll.
Eligible non-resident owners and occupiers must apply to the Shire to be included on the roll.
Learn more about enrolling to vote
When do electoral rolls close?
Electoral rolls close at 5.00pm on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
Your enrolment details must be correct by this deadline to vote in the election.
Check your enrolment
Is voting compulsory?
No. Voting in Western Australian local government elections is voluntary.
However, every eligible elector is encouraged to participate. Your vote helps choose the people who will represent the community and guide the future direction of the Shire.
How will the election be conducted?
The election will be conducted by WAEC as a postal election.
All eligible electors will automatically receive a postal voting package approximately two to three weeks before election day.
What will my postal voting package contain?
Your package will include:
-
the ballot paper or ballot papers you are entitled to complete
-
voting instructions
-
candidate information
-
an elector declaration; and
-
a reply-paid return envelope.
Delivery times may differ between electors.
How do I complete my ballot paper?
Local government elections use optional preferential voting.
Place the number 1 beside your first-choice candidate. You can then choose to vote for one, some or all candidates by numbering them in your preferred order.
You do not have to number every candidate.
Learn more about how to vote
How do I return my vote?
Return your completed package by post as soon as possible.
Your package must be received by the Returning Officer by 6.00pm on Thursday, 3 December 2026. The deadline relates to when it is received, not when it is posted.
If there is not enough time for your package to arrive by post, you can hand-deliver it to an authorised election location. Locations and opening hours will be published once confirmed by WAEC.
Will there be a place to return my vote on election day?
Yes. At least one authorised election location will accept completed postal voting packages until 6.00pm on election day.
Locations and opening hours in Carnarvon and Coral Bay will be published once confirmed.
Is early or absent voting available?
Early and absent voting are not used for a WAEC postal local government election because voting packages are automatically mailed to eligible electors.
If you expect to be away when packages are delivered, arrange for your mail to be forwarded or contact the Returning Officer early to discuss your circumstances.
Your completed package must still be received by 6.00pm on Thursday, 3 December 2026.
What if my postal voting package does not arrive or is lost or damaged?
You may be able to obtain a replacement package.
Replacement-package locations, opening hours and the Returning Officer’s contact details will be published closer to election day.
If you receive your original package after obtaining a replacement, do not complete both packages.
How do I nominate as a candidate?
Candidate nominations open on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 and close at 4.00pm on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
To nominate, you must:
-
be at least 18 years old
-
be an elector of the Shire
-
meet the candidate eligibility requirements
-
complete the mandatory Local Government Candidate Induction
-
submit the required nomination documents and candidate profile; and
-
pay the $100 nomination deposit.
Learn more about nominating for election
When will candidate information be available?
Candidate names and profiles will be published after nominations close and the candidates have been formally announced.
View candidates and election notices
When will the results be announced?
Counting will begin after voting closes at 6.00pm on Thursday, 3 December 2026.
Results will be published once they have been formally declared by the Returning Officer.
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions about the residents roll or the conduct of the election, contact WAEC on 13 63 06.
For questions about the Shire’s non-resident owners and occupiers roll, contact the Shire on (08) 9941 0000 or shire@carnarvon.wa.gov.au.
The Returning Officer’s contact details will be published once confirmed by WAEC.
Return to the 2026 Special Local Government Election page