Change voted in

as posted here

THE first-past-the-post voting system will be used at council elections on October 17 after legislation was passed by the State Government last week.

Local Government Minister John Castrilli said the system would replace the previous preferential voting system and would make the electoral process easier to understand.

Mr Castrilli said it would also protect councils from the influence of main political parties and the rise of political factions within councils.

“First-past-the-post voting not only removes the potential for political or other tickets to be run, but the system will also mean results known in a very timely manner.”

The City of Gosnells applauded the move, Mayor Olwen Searle saying it believed first past the post was simpler and cheaper to administer than proportional preferential voting in use for the last council election.

“We are glad to see the State Government has reinstated a simple, cost-effective voting system,” she said.

“The City is committed to local democracy and public participation. First past the post is the easiest way for people to cast their votes. It also saves ratepayers’ money.”

The City is running a publicity campaign to help lift voting numbers at the election. Unlike State and Federal polls, voting is not compulsory.

Mayor Searle urged people to make sure they had their say at election time. “The decisions made by councillors affect every-day life in your own city – make sure you have a say in who is chosen for this vital role.”

Information on why voting is important and how easy it is, especially by post, is available from the City.

Gosnells has 12 councillors, each of whom serves a four-year term. The terms are staggered so half the council is elected at a time, resulting in elections every two years.

The council voted to recommend the end of the ward system, which means people will vote for candidates across the City, not in smaller areas.


as posted here