All candidates for the State general election 2021
Dear candidate
As you will be aware the WA Electoral Commission has expanded early voting centre locations across the State for the State general election 2021. Early reports indicate this has been welcomed by electors. I am disappointed however to have received several reports of harassment and inappropriate behaviour by volunteers and representatives of political parties and candidates at early voting centre locations.
It is important that you all remind any persons representing you at early voting centres that early voting centres are located among other tenancies trying to conduct their business. Members of the public may not be attending to vote but only to visit a neighbouring business. In some instances members of the public are attending court houses for court business which may be both distressing and uncomfortable for them without the added complication of being confronted by election related behaviour. Unlike polling places which are usually located in schools and operate on a Saturday, early voting centres have to co-exist with neighbouring tenancies.
Irresponsible behaviour by candidate representatives such as repeatedly harassing electors and members of the public, blocking traffic, taking over parking bays and parking cars all day outside other neighbouring businesses is creating justifiable concerns from small business operators and electors who are simply trying to cast their vote. This behaviour must stop.
The Commission has already been requested by several property owners or centre managers to instruct such supporters to leave and not to return. This number is likely to grow if the behaviour of your volunteers and supporters does not improve.
I urge you to pass this message onto your volunteers and supporters as their behaviour is not only damaging the image of democracy in Western Australia but also your individual brand in your local community. I know this first hand by speaking with some of them today. I look forward to your cooperation and assistance in this matter.
Your sincerely
Robert Kennedy
ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER
25 February 2021