Thursday, September 21, 2023

WA local government elections

 

In Albany, the ballot slips are in the mail.

Here are the choices.


For those of you who have never done this before, or have forgotten how to do it, here are some basic instructions.


The Mayor

There are seven candidates.

You may put 1 in the box of the mayor you want and leave the rest.

Or you could put 2, then all the way down to 7. Or any other variation.

My preference, and I always do this, even when there are 167 listed for the Senate, is to number every single box, that way your vote will count. If you only place a 1, and your preference gets tossed out in the cut, then your vote is lost, but if you fill out all the boxes, then your vote, eventually, will be counted.


The councillors

There are eleven candidates.

You may put 1 in the box of the councillor you want and leave the rest. But because there are four vacancies, you might put 1 2 3 4. Then leave the rest.

But, let me repeat myself again, again ....

My preference, and I always do this, even when there are 283 listed for the Senate, is to number every single box, that way all your votes will count. If you only place a 1, and your preference gets tossed out in the cut, then your vote is lost, but if you fill out all the boxes, all the way down to 11, then you increase your chances of getting someone in you would rather get in.


Go on, ask.

"Is that you, Jon, listed among the candidates?"

Yes.

"So...?"

I would never ask someone, anyone, to vote for me. I have an internet presence. I am easily found. If you look at me, then look at the makeup of the City Council, simply ask yourself if there is anyone else like me sitting in those comfy chairs?

Ask also, why isn't there a Menang Noongar on Council?

Or as mayor?

One more question, Albany was well served in the past with women mayors, maybe it's time for another one, and one with a particular skill set.


Written and authorised by Jon Doust, 132 Angove Road, Spencer Park, Kincinnup Kinjarling, Albany, 6330, Menang Noongar Boodja.