Published on Thursday, 10 September 2026 at 3:13:29 PM
A Town Ward vacancy on the Shire of Esperance Council will be filled by an extraordinary local government postal election on Thursday 3 December 2026.
The election follows the resignation of Cr Johnston in August 2026. Because the Shire operates under a Ward system, and the vacancy happened more than 12 months before the next ordinary local government election, legislation says the position must be filled.
The successful candidate will serve as a Councillor until the until the next ordinary local government election in October 2027.
At a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, Council agreed to appoint the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) to run the election for the Shire. To reach this decision Council considered voter participation, election administration requirements, independence of the electoral process, and costs.
Postal elections usually make it easier for people to vote and shape their representation on Council. Recent Town Ward postal elections have attracted voter turnout of more than 30 per cent. This compares with 13.5 per cent at the Shire's last in-person extraordinary election.
Having the election run by the WAEC helps keep the process independent. As Western Australia's specialist election authority, the WAEC is responsible for ensuring electoral processes are run in accordance with legislative requirements. Appointing the WAEC also provides a clear separation between candidates, the election process and Shire administration. While the WAEC and its appointed Returning Officer will manage the election, the Shire will support the process by sharing election information, advertising key details, and assisting where needed.
The WAEC has estimated the election will cost $46,000 excluding GST.
The Shire encourages all eligible Town Ward electors to stay informed as the election approaches by following its communication channels for important dates and voting information. Participation in local government elections helps ensure community voices are heard, and all eligible voters are encouraged to make their vote count on 3 December 2026.
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