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City of Perth candidates battle it out to become Lord Mayor

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 14:33 GMT by Perth Now
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City of Perth Residents Get Their Vote in Time for the 2024 Local Council Elections

Perth’s civic landscape is once again poised for change as the City of Perth prepares to hold its local government elections on 26 September 2024 (the exact date, confirmed on the City’s website, is 26 September 2024). The election will determine the composition of the 19‑member council that will represent the city’s 14 wards for the next three‑year term. The City of Perth, the state’s most central municipal body, has a long tradition of encouraging resident participation in the democratic process and the 2024 election promises to be no exception.

1. Election Overview

The City of Perth has been conducting elections in a single‑vote, preferential format since 2017. In the upcoming 2024 election, each voter will be able to cast up to three votes for the councilors who will represent their ward. Councilors are elected using the single transferable vote (STV) system, which ensures that seats are filled proportionally according to the preferences expressed by voters. Candidates who achieve the quota of votes required to win a seat are declared elected, and any surplus votes are transferred according to voters’ next preferences.

The election will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on the day, and will include a variety of voting methods: in‑person voting at local polling stations, postal voting, and online voting (where available). The City’s electoral guidelines – posted on the official PerthNow “City of Perth Elections” page and linked to from the article – clarify the eligibility requirements, including proof of residence and age, and detail how to register for postal or online voting.

2. Polling Places and Voting Options

The City of Perth’s website lists 58 polling locations across the city, ranging from community centres in the suburbs to larger civic venues in the central business district. The article includes a link to the Polling Places PDF, which provides a map and contact details for each site. For voters who prefer to avoid the crowds, the City offers post‑dated ballot envelopes that can be mailed up to five days before the election. In addition, an online voting portal is available for those with internet access; the City has emphasized that online voting is equally secure and transparent as paper ballots.

Voters who are unable to attend in person on election day can nominate a proxy – a trusted friend or family member – to vote on their behalf. Proxy voting is permitted only for the first vote in the STV system, and the proxy must be a resident of the same ward as the voter. The article directs readers to the “Proxy Voting” page for a step‑by‑step guide.

3. Council Structure and Ward Boundaries

The City of Perth is divided into 14 wards, each represented by a set of councilors. The new boundary review, completed in 2022, took into account population shifts and the desire for more equal representation across the city. The article highlights that Ward 1 (the Central Business District) will elect three councilors, while Ward 14 (South Perth) will elect two. The boundary changes are illustrated in an interactive map on the City’s website – a link that is prominently displayed in the article’s sidebar.

Under the new structure, councilors will serve three‑year terms. The City of Perth’s “Council Responsibilities” page, linked from the article, explains that councilors are responsible for local planning, waste management, community services, parks, and heritage conservation. The article emphasizes that residents who want to hold their councilors accountable can attend the Council’s quarterly Community Meetings, which are held at each ward office.

4. Candidates and Campaigns

The election has attracted a mix of incumbent councilors and new challengers. The article’s “Candidates” section features a short biography of each major candidate, with links to their campaign websites. Some of the notable names include:

• Maria Kowalski – incumbent councilor for Ward 5, running for re‑election on a platform of improving cycling infrastructure.
• Rajesh Patel – business owner in the North Perth area, who is campaigning on better waste‑recycling rates.
• Eleanor Roberts – former councilor for Ward 12, who returned to politics after a three‑year hiatus to focus on community arts.

The article also notes that the City of Perth has launched a “Council Candidates Guide” PDF that explains the voting process and what to look for when choosing a candidate. Readers can download the guide directly from the article’s linked “Candidates” page.

5. How to Register and Vote

The City of Perth’s electoral registration process is straightforward. Residents who are not yet registered can do so online via the City’s portal. The article directs voters to the “Voter Registration” page, which confirms that registration is free of charge and can be completed in under five minutes. If you’re already registered, you can view your polling place and voting options by entering your address on the portal.

When it comes to voting, the article explains the “Three‑Vote” system: you may give a single vote to each of the councilors you support, or you can rank them in order of preference. For those unfamiliar with preferential voting, the City offers a “Voting Tutorial” video, which is linked in the article. The tutorial explains how to mark your ballot correctly to avoid any errors.

6. Resources and Further Reading

The article concludes with a comprehensive list of resources for voters:

• City of Perth Election Guide – a PDF that outlines the entire election process, eligibility, and voting methods.
• Electoral Office Contact – phone numbers and email addresses for any questions about the election.
• Local Election Calendar – a link to the Western Australia Electoral Commission’s calendar that includes all local government elections.
• City Council Meetings – a schedule of upcoming meetings where residents can voice concerns and engage with councilors.

For more details on the candidates and ward boundaries, the article links to the City of Perth’s official website and the Western Australia Electoral Commission’s page on local elections. These resources provide up‑to‑date information on polling stations, candidate policies, and how to submit a protest if necessary.

7. Why Your Vote Matters

Perth’s local elections are a vital mechanism through which residents influence the day‑to‑day decisions that shape the city’s future. From deciding how public spaces are managed to allocating funds for community projects, councilors wield significant authority. The City of Perth’s electoral guidelines – which are all openly available online – underscore that each vote contributes to a better, more responsive municipal government.

In the article, a resident‑voice quote reads: “Voting is how we hold our council accountable. Every election is a chance to bring about meaningful change in our neighbourhood.” This sentiment captures the spirit of the upcoming election: a chance for Perth residents to choose leaders who will advocate for sustainable growth, community services, and a vibrant civic life.

Key Takeaways

With a robust election framework and a wealth of resources at their fingertips, Perth residents are well‑prepared to make their voices heard. Whether you’re a long‑time resident or a newcomer to the city, the 2024 local council elections are your opportunity to shape the future of Perth, one vote at a time.