Council Elections
2021 Council Election Results
The results from the 2021 Council Election can be found here.
The results from the election of the Shire President and Deputy Shire President can be found here.
Overview
A Council serves the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley consisting of nine elected members, which cover the whole Shire as one ward.
The elected members are elected to their positions for a four-year term, with half having their terms expire every two years.
Pursuant to the Local Government Act 1995, all local government elections in Western Australia are held every two years on the third Saturday in October.
While voting in a local government election is not compulsory in Western Australia, all electors are strongly encouraged to vote.
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley’s ordinary elections are administered by the Electoral Commission and are conducted in person (this system allows the Electoral Commission to visit the remote aboriginal communities to invite them to vote).
You can find more information on becoming a Councillor here.
Information for electors - Enrolment eligibility
To be eligible to vote in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley elections, you need to be a resident recorded on the state electoral roll or a non-resident property or business owner recorded on the Shire’s non-resident owners and occupiers roll.
Residents who are listed on the state electoral roll within the boundaries of the Shire are automatically placed on the residents' roll.
How do I enrol to vote?
To enrol to vote in the local government elections visit the Australian Electoral Commission’s website.
How can I find out if I am already enrolled?
You can check if you are already enrolled by completing the Online Enrolment Check on the West Australian Electoral Commission website.
I own a property in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley but do not live there; can I still vote in elections?
Yes you can. Read the Enrolment Eligibility Claim Information Note to check that you are eligible and then complete the application form.
I run a business that occupies a property in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley but do not live in the Shire, can I still vote in the elections?
Yes you can. Read the Enrolment Eligibility Claim Information Note to check that you are eligible and then complete the application form.
Can I vote for the Shire President?
No, the President of the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is currently elected by the Council from the elected members, rather than being elected by the electors.
Where can I vote?
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley conducts its election in person in conjunction with the Western Australian Electoral Commission. Voting takes place with a pre polling mobile voting station visiting some aboriginal communities, pre polling at the Derby and Fitzroy Crossing Administration Centres.
Details of polling places will be advised prior prior to the 21 October 2023 Election.
When is the next local government election day?
Saturday 21 October 2023.
When will I know the result of an election?
The count commences at 6pm on election day and results are usually available later that evening on the Western Australian Electoral Commission's website.
Information for candidates
Returning Officer
The Shire’s Returning Officer is appointed by the Western Australian Electoral Commission and is responsible for the conduct and processes associated with the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley local government elections.
The Returning Officer is able to provide further information for prospective candidates including guides and forms for candidates and scrutineers.
Contact details for the Returning Officer will be advised prior to the 21 October 2023 Election.
Prior to nominating, potential candidates are also required to complete an online compulsory Local Government Candidate Induction.
2023 Candidate Profiles
Candidate Profiles for the 2023 Election will be advised following the opening of the nomination period (7 September 2023).
2023 Ballot Paper Draw Results
2023 Ballot Paper Results will be advised following close of nomination for the 2023 Election (14 September 2023).
Important Election Dates for the 2023 Shire Councillors Election
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Information Evening for Interested Councillor Candidates
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An evening has been allocated to hold an information meeting, where the role of Council and Councillors will be outlined, and an opportunity to ask questions will be provided.
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Dates for the Derby and Fitzroy Crossing Information Evenings will be provided closer to the 2023 Elections. A date in mid-August 2023 is anticipated.
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Close of Electoral Roll Applications
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Nominations by non-resident electors to also be included on the Shire’s electoral roll can be made at any time up to the period 50 days prior to the election. Nominations must be in the prescribed form and lodged with Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.
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5.00pm Friday 1 September 2023
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Councillor Nominations Open
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First day for candidates to lodge completed nomination papers. Please liaise with the Returning Officer for details of how to prepare and lodge your nomination.
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8.00am Thursday 7 September 2023
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Nomination Period
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Nominations are open for eight days. Nominations must be in the prescribed form and lodged with the Returning Officer.
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Close of Nominations
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Last day for candidates to lodge their nominations.
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4.00pmThursday 14 September 2023
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Postal and Early Votes
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Postal, Absent, and Early Votes can be cast if you are not available to vote in person on Saturday 16 October 2021. Electoral staff will visit aboriginal communities to all votes to be cast at these locations.
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Absent – up to 4.00pm Tuesday 17 October 2023
Postal – up to 4.00pm Tuesday 17 October 2023
Early – up to 4.00pm Friday 20 October 2023
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Election Day Voting
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Saturday 21 October 2023:
Fitzroy Crossing - 8.00am to 2.00pm; and
Derby - 8.00am to 6.00pm.
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Returning Officer
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Contact details for the Returning Officer will be advised prior to the 21 October 2023 Election. |
Further Information
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
WAEC - Western Australian Electoral Commission
Forms