Everything You Need To Know About Voting In The WA Election

Despite our thoughts on the matter, things just keep happening. There’s so much to keep track of in this chaotic timeline, which is why we’re guessing most people aren’t up to date on the upcoming State Election in Western Australia.

It’s fine. It’s fine. Our brains can’t possibly remember every little piece of information we’ve learned since the year began. So, here’s what you need to know: the WA State Election is your chance to have you say about how things are run in your home state.

Everyone’s vote is worth the same. And with everything that’s happening in the world and Australia right now, getting involved and making your voice heard is a great way to make a difference.

That’s why we’ve broken it down and put together all the details you need to know about how, when, and where to vote, including everything you need to know about voting early.

When Is It?

The WA State Election will happen on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Who Needs To Vote?

Voting is compulsory for every Western Australian resident who is an Australian citizen and aged 18 or over.

It’s easy to check if you’re enrolled to vote in WA: just search for yourself on the electoral roll. If you’re not already, you’ll have until 6pm on February 11 to enrol through the Australian Electoral Commission.

While you’re here, take a second to make sure all your details are correct, and update anything that might have changed since the last election. If you’ve moved house since the last election, you’ll have to update your address here too because it might affect where you vote.

How Do You Vote?

There are a few ways to vote in this State Election. Many people will vote on Election Day at a polling place, but you can also vote early in person or by post.

There are voting options for everyone, including silent electors, hospital patients, and people with disabilities or no fixed address. You can find out more about the ways to vote and check your eligibility here.

How Does Early Voting Work?

Voting early is a great way to skip the crowds or avoid a fine if you know you won’t be able to make it into a polling place on Election Day.

There are two ways to vote early: in person at an early voting centre, or by post.

To vote in person, just and show up any time between February 24 and March 12 to fill in your ballot paper. You don’t need to provide a reason for voting early. No one’s going to grill you about why you’re not doing it the “normal” way — in fact, voting early is encouraged more than ever right now.

How Do Postal Votes Work?

In 2021, we’re really vibing anything that can make our lives even a tiny bit more convenient. If you vote by post, you’ll receive a ballot in the mail which you can fill out at home and send back. Too easy!

Just apply for a postal vote online before March 10 and send back your completed ballot paper and declaration form before Election Day.

It’s an easy way to vote in this State Election, and everyone’s encouraged to register if they’re able. You don’t have to worry about social distancing and you can do it from home in your pyjamas.

Why Does It Matter?

Voting is your chance to make your voice heard where it matters most. And what’s great is that every voice is equal – everyone’s vote is worth the same, no matter who they are or what they’re voting for. The only way to create a Western Australia where different opinions, cultures, identities, and experiences are represented is for everyone who lives there to vote.

(Plus, you’ll cop a fine if you don’t.)

And it’s no surprise, but still worth noting, that there’ll be safety measures in place at every voting location to keep you and all the volunteers safe. So if you can’t make it into an early voting centre or vote by post you can at least have peace of mind when you go into a polling place on Election Day.

There are so many options for how to vote in the WA State Election. It’s never been easier to have your say. You really can help make a difference just by filling out a piece of paper. Honestly, the dream.

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WA’s future is yours to choose. Plan how, when, and where you’ll vote at elections.wa.gov.au

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(Lead image: Glen Carrie / Unsplash)