Eligible voters across Western Australia can now participate in early voting for the upcoming state election, which is set to take place on March 8, 2025. The WA Electoral Commission has opened over 60 polling locations across the state to accommodate those wishing to cast their ballot early.
Early voting commenced on February 24 and will continue until March 7, allowing voters flexibility and convenience. Many individuals often opt to vote early due to various personal commitments on the actual election day.
WA Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy emphasized the convenience factor of early voting, stating, "They may have other commitments on the Saturday, and so they just find it it's an easy way to cast their vote." With over 60 early polling places set up, voters are encouraged to take advantage of this option. Notably, early voting is not available on Sundays or on Labour Day public holiday, which falls on March 3.
Polls are open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, providing ample time for voters to arrive and make their selections. Some of the early polling locations include Mandurah, Albany, and Joondalup, each specially equipped with accessibility facilities for all voters.
On election day, voters will be presented with two separate ballots: one for the Legislative Assembly and another for the Legislative Council. Voters will need to rank their preferences accordingly on both ballots, with the lower house ballot focusing on local representation.
This election will witness the introduction of optional preferential voting for the upper house. Previously, voters could only indicate their top choice, but under the new system, they can continue to rank preferences, according to Kennedy. He stated, "By deregulating the number of boxes you have to mark, you can make it easier for people to follow." This change aims to streamline the voting process and align it closer to the federal system.
Voters have shown significant interest in early voting; statistics from the 2021 election indicated about 55 percent of participants opted for early voting options, whether by postal vote or utilizing polling centers.
Though early voting offers numerous advantages, Kennedy acknowledges potential challenges on the actual voting day. He voiced concerns about discrepancies sometimes seen with votes due to voters leaving centers with ballots or marking their ballots incorrectly. He pointed out, "One of our key jobs is to keep track of every single ballot paper." He noted they often end up only two or three votes short from what is expected per voting center, which can lead to confusion and complications during the counting process.
For voters residing in areas impacted by natural disasters, the Electoral Commission is prepared with contingency plans. Following the recent Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which affected remote polling operations, the commission has been utilizing helicopters to reach flooded areas, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to vote.
While voters are allowed to use pen for marking ballots, the commission encourages the use of pencils, as they are more economical and less likely to dry out over time. Kennedy quipped humorously, "Voters can bring their own pens if they wish, but the commission asks people not to bring texters or highlighters."
With the election entering the final weeks of preparation, the WA Electoral Commission is focused on ensuring the process runs smoothly and efficiently. The upcoming election holds significant importance for voters, who are eager to make their voices heard as they cast their votes at polling places throughout Western Australia.