Nineteen vie for five coveted spots

The newly-extended Baldivis Ward, formerly held by just one councillor, Richard Smith) is the most in-demand, with seven candidates for two seats.

Four candidates are running for the new Comet Bay ward, five in Rockingham and three are running for Safety Bay.

As well as current councillors Richard Smith, Barry Sammels, Lorraine Dunkling and Deb Hamblin, some other notable locals are running for spots on the council.

Former Greens candidate for both state and federal parliament, Jordon Steele-John, and state independent candidate Matthew Whitfield are running for the seat of Baldivis, and Palmer United federal candidate Craig Lawrence is aiming for a spot in the Comet Bay ward along with former Chamber of Commerce president Justin Smith.

The WA Electoral Commission will be conducting 76 postal elections and two voting in-person elections on behalf of 78 local governments across Western Australia.

This year’s local government elections in Western Australia have already set new records. The Commission has received nearly 800 nominations for just over 300 vacancies, an increase of 12 per cent over 2011 and the largest number of candidates ever.

Voting in a local government election is not compulsory in Western Australia. However, all electors are strongly encouraged to vote.

All eligible electors will receive a postal voting package about three weeks prior to polling day.

The package will include a list of candidates, ballot papers, instructions on how to vote and a declaration. To vote, follow the instructions included in the package. Your postal voting package must be received before 6pm on October 19.