Western Australians are encouraged to consider nominating as a candidate in the upcoming local government elections. Nominations officially open Thursday 28 August and close 4:00pm Thursday 4 September 2025.
The WA Government and WA Local Government Association have launched a new campaign titled 'You are the right material’, designed to inspire people from all backgrounds to stand for election. The campaign highlights the importance of diverse representation in local councils, and the vital role elected members play in shaping communities across Western Australia.
To be eligible to nominate, candidates must:
- Be an Australian citizen aged 18 or over
- Be a resident, property owner, or occupier in their district
- Complete the mandatory online candidate induction.
To support prospective candidates, the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) provides a comprehensive range of resources, nomination forms, and guidance to help candidates prepare and submit their nominations. Each local government or shire has an appointed Returning Officer who oversees the election process and can assist with nomination queries. Information including a list of Returning Officers and their contact details can be found on the WAEC website.
Acting Electoral Commissioner Dennis O’Reilly encouraged community members to consider standing for election.
“Local Government is where community voices are heard. I encourage anyone passionate about their local area to consider nominating,” Mr O'Reilly said.
“The WA Electoral Commission is here to support candidates every step of the way, with resources and dedicated Returning Officers ready to assist throughout the process.”
The local government elections will be held on Saturday 18 October 2025.